Pedro aims to pull clear of Kevin Viveros as Flamengo chase top spot at Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Flamengo visit Cruzeiro on Saturday in the 24th round, needing a win to go top, with Pedro eyeing the scoring lead.

Coluna Do Fla argues it is only a matter of time before Pedro leads the standings and that he is the best striker in Brazilian football right now.

Pedro has 14 goals, level with Athletico Paranaense forward Kevin Viveros. Viveros is not due to play until Monday 24, when Athletico face Botafogo at Nilton Santos. A goal for Flamengo's number nine would take him clear.

He has thrived against Cruzeiro in 2026. In the first league meeting he scored in a 2-0 win, then in the Libertadores he supplied two assists in a 2-1 victory that sealed a quarter-final place.

Before that, he had already starred in the league, scoring twice in a 5-1 win over Mirassol, a result that strengthened Flamengo's push for the leadership.

With no midweek fixture, Flamengo will use their strongest available side, though Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro are out, and Pedro should start. Cruzeiro plan a mixed side, and Artur Jorge will rest some players to arrive at Wednesday's Copa do Brasil quarter-final against Atlético-MG in peak condition.

Kick-off is 20:30, Brasília time, on Saturday 22 at the Mineirão.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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