Cuca says Flamengo clash has all the makings of a classic at Vila Belmiro | OneFootball

Santos made it five straight Brasileirão wins with a 2-1 comeback at São Paulo on Friday, and now host leaders Flamengo at Vila Belmiro on Thursday eight at 19:30 in round 29.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Cuca said the meeting could be a wonderful game and stressed careful preparation.

The delayed round 21 fixture at MorumBIS saw Luciano score from a 35-minute penalty before Gabigol headed in Escobar’s cross. Early in the second half, debutant Philippe Coutinho released the counter for Gabigol’s winner, and goalkeeper Diógenes saved late on.

The run has lifted Santos to seventh on 41 points. Flamengo have 60 from 28 rounds, three clear of Palmeiras.

Santos could also have Neymar back, with the forward in the final phase of his fitness transition after missing the São Paulo match. The club are working to involve him, possibly for a few minutes.

Flamengo will be without Arrascaeta after surgery on a fractured left wrist, and Evertton Araújo remains sidelined with a grade three adductor injury. Director José Boto said Pedro and Samuel Lino will be available, while Varela and Anthony Valencia are likely to miss out due to international duty.

Leonardo Jardim’s side have the league’s best away return, 27 points from 14 trips. Santos proposed moving the match to Wednesday seven at MorumBIS, but Flamengo denied having refused the request and the game stays at Vila Belmiro.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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