After suffering a shock midweek thumping, Flamengo will try to get back on track in Rio de Janeiro this Sunday, when they visit Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Despite losing 4-0 last time out, Fla sit fourth in the Serie A standings; meanwhile, their hosts are perilously close to the drop zone and have just sacked their head coach.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having previously gone 10 games without a loss, Flamengo's defeat to Bragantino on Thursday came as quite a surprise to followers of the Rubo-Negro, who had not seen their team beaten 4-0 since August 2021.
Conceding a total of 30 shots on goal in Braganca Paulista, Fla managed just six attempts themselves, with only half of them on target; leaving coach Jorge Sampaoli perturbed by his side's uncharacteristic capitulation.
Indeed, that setback was the latest instance of the Rio de Janeiro club faltering on the road this season: in all competitions, Flamengo have played 13 matches outside their home state, suffering eight losses and posting just three wins.
Now eight points adrift of city rivals Botafogo, who top the Brasileiro table after 11 rounds, Flamengo nonetheless remain in the mix for a top-four finish, in addition to being one point from securing a place in the Copa Libertadores knockout rounds.
After making a slow start to their defence of South America's premier club competition, which they won for a third time last year, Sampaoli's side merely need to avoid defeat against Ecuadorian outsiders Aucas next week, on the final day of the group stage.
That would be enough to ensure progress from Group A, but domestic success is Fla's more immediate concern, and they will seek another victory over Santos on Sunday, after doing the double over the Sao Paulo side last year.
© Reuters
While Flamengo have just experienced a rare bump in the road, recent events at Santos see them preparing for this weekend's fixture amid turmoil both on and off the pitch.
Coach Odair Hellman was fired soon after Peixe's midweek defeat to Corinthians at Vila Belmiro, where the home fans responded to a 2-0 reverse by hurling smoke-bombs onto the field of play; resulting in a 30-day ban for Santos supporters, both home and away.
The Alvinegra board acted quickly to end the tenure of a man who had been at the helm since 2021, as recent results saw the club slide to 13th in the Serie A standings and suffer elimination from the Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana.
After failing to appoint Japan-based Fabio Carille, former Athletico Paranaense boss Paulo Turra was persuaded to sign a one-year contract and will be tasked with getting more out of a squad which is now winless in nine matches.
Nonetheless, Santos have been beaten just once on home soil in the Brasileiro this term and still boast the fifth-best defensive record in Brazil's top flight.
Team News
© Reuters
As Paulo Turra's appointment as Santos coach was only confirmed on Thursday, sporting director Paulo Roberto Falcao takes charge of the home side this weekend.
The former Roma midfielder will have forwards Lucas Braga and Deivid Washington at his disposal, after both recently recovered from injury. However, Alison has had to undergo knee surgery and Felipe Jonatan is also sidelined by a knee problem.
Another midfielder, Camacho, returns from suspension on Sunday and is set to take a place among the Santos substitutes.
Meanwhile, one of several possible changes for Flamengo could see Leo Pereira make way for Ayrton Lucas at left-back, after the latter was considered unable to start in midweek having played for Brazil a few days earlier.
Gabriel Barbosa's absence with a thigh injury is expected to continue, so Pedro will most likely be supported by Everton Soares and Everton Ribeiro up front.
Chile internationals Arturo Vidal and Erick Pulgar are back in contention for a place in midfield, after being consigned to the bench against Bragantino.
Santos possible starting lineup:
Paulo; Lucas, Henrique, Messias, Inocencio; Fernandez, Dodi; Mendoza, Lima, Soteldo; Washington
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Cunha; Wesley, Bruno, Luiz, Lucas; Pulgar, Gerson; Everton R, De Arrascaeta, Everton S; Pedro
We say: Santos 0-1 Flamengo
For all their woes, Santos have kept clean sheets in half their league fixtures at home this season. However, without their fans behind them at Vila Belmiro - and with an interim coach in charge - they are susceptible to defeat by a Flamengo side fired up after an embarrassing setback in midweek.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Jonathan O'Shea
