Preview: Flamengo vs. Atletico Mineiro - prediction, team news, lineups

After reigning champions Atletico Mineiro won 2-1 in the home leg three weeks ago, the tie is still very much alive heading into Thursday's second leg at Flamengo.

Match preview

Flamengo, who lost out on the title to their forthcoming opponents as well as missing out on the chance to face them in the cup final after being dumped out at the semi-final stage, will be hoping to go at least one better on both fronts this time around.

However, given that they are nine points adrift of league leaders Palmeiras in Serie A, Thursday's domestic cup showdown on home soil is a huge one for Urubu boss Dorival Junior.

After Hulk and Ademir had struck either side of half time, substitute Lazaro's 80th-minute strike halved Flamengo's deficit in the first leg, and could end up proving crucial come full time at the Maracana on Thursday.

With four wins in their last five matches, Junior will hope his side's growing confidence can be enough to produce something of an upset against their dangerous opponents.

Indeed, having completed a historic domestic double last season, Antonio Mohamed and his players are hungry for further success this campaign.

2021 marked only the second time Galo had ever won Serie A and Copa do Brasil in their entire history, so to lift both trophies in the same season was quite the remarkable feat.

Mohamed still has his side on course for only a second ever Copa Libertadores triumph this season, too, after progressing past Ecuadorian side Emelec last week.

If he can ensure his players hold onto their lead against Flamengo on Thursday, an unthinkable treble could be on the cards this time around, with overturning a two-point deficit to Palmeiras in Serie A hardly representing an insurmountable task at this early stage of the season.

Flamengo Copa do Brasil form:

Flamengo form (all competitions):

Atletico Mineiro Copa do Brasil form:

Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):

Team News

Flamengo are likely to be without Bruno Henrique and Giorgian de Arrascaeta due to injury, while Diego Alves and Matheuzinho are expected to be ruled out through illness.

Santos will continue in goal in Alves's absence, while former Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis could return to the side at left-back.

Atletico Mineiro, meanwhile, look more fortunate on the availability front, with only Keno absent due to a thigh injury.

Hulk and Eduardo Vargas will carry a potent threat in transition as the hosts look to take the game to Mohamed's side.

Flamengo possible starting lineup:

Santos; Rodinei, Bruno, Caio, Luis; Gomes, Maia, Hugo; Franco, Gabriel, Vitinho

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Everson; Mariano, Natan, Alonso, Arana; Allan, Otavio; Calebe, Fernandez, Vargas; Hulk

We say: Flamengo 1-1 Atletico Mineiro

With Flamengo's injury and illness issues, Atletico Mineiro appear to be a more settled and confident unit at this stage of the season.

As such, we expect the reigning Serie A and Copa do Brasil champions to avoid defeat, with their chances of retaining both competitions consequently remaining alive.

Previews by email