Flamengo X Coritiba Opens With 10 Absences at Maracanã
Flamengo x Coritiba lands on Saturday at 16:00 at the Maracanã, with Flamengo carrying 10 absences into the 18th round of the Brasileirão. The vice-leader is seven points behind Palmeiras and still has one game in hand, so the margin for error has already narrowed.
Maracanã And Flamengo Absences
Leonardo Jardim has to sort out a squad without 10 listed absences, split between called-up, injured and suspended players. Flamengo had asked the CBF to move the match because of that shortage, but the request was denied, leaving the coach to work with the group available for a game that can shape the table at the top.
The probable Flamengo lineup points to Rossi in goal, with Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Vitão and Ayrton Lucas across the back line. In midfield, Evertton Araújo, Pulgar and Luiz Araújo are the expected names, while Samuel Lino, Bruno Henrique or Saúl, and Pedro form the attacking side of the projection.
That set-up leaves one of the main questions inside the squad on the forward line, where Bruno Henrique or Saúl is listed for the central role. Flamengo still reached this match after advancing in the Conmebol Libertadores during the week, but the league position adds pressure to a home fixture that comes right after a 3-0 defeat to Palmeiras in the previous round.
Coritiba And Lucas Ronier
Coritiba arrives in sixth place, aiming to get into the Libertadores qualification zone, and Fernando Seabra’s side has the third-best away campaign behind Palmeiras and Flamengo. That road record gives the visitors a stronger base than a typical underdog case at the Maracanã.
Lucas Ronier is available after intensive treatment during the week for muscle swelling in the back of his right thigh. Coritiba’s expected front three is Lavega, Breno Lopes and Pedro Rocha, and that trio has already produced four of the team’s six goals in the previous two games.
The match will be shown live by sportv and Premiere, with live coverage and exclusive videos during the game. For Flamengo, the immediate task is to manage the absences without losing more ground in the title race; for Coritiba, it is to use an in-form attack and a strong away record to push deeper into the top-six fight.
Sportv Premiere Coverage
The schedule is fixed for Saturday at 16:00 in Brasília time, and both clubs know the points at stake before the ball is kicked. Flamengo needs a clean response to the squad shortage, while Coritiba gets a direct chance to turn sixth place into a real push toward the Libertadores zone.
