Preview: Flamengo vs. Sporting Cristal - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are guaranteed to finish top of Group H, while Sporting Cristal are looking for a victory that could move them into third place.

Match preview

Flamengo have made light work of their group, winning four of their five matches in the Copa Libertadores this term.

The 2019 South American champions began the group stage with three consecutive victories before a 2-2 draw against Talleres halted their winning run.

Although, they managed to return to winning ways on matchday four, thrashing Universidad Catolica 3-0 thanks to goals from Willian Arao, Everton Ribeiro and Pedro.

The Brazilian side enter the final matchday knowing that whatever the result they will finish top of the group, but the hosts will still be motivated to maintain their unbeaten record.

Flamengo will be confident that they can clinch all three points after winning both of their home group games by a combined 6-1 scoreline.

With just two points to their name, Sporting Cristal cannot qualify for the knockout rounds of the Copa Libertadores.

After beginning the group phase with three consecutive defeats, the Peruvian side played out back-to-back draws to get themselves on the board.

Although they will bow out of South America's premier competition, Tuesday's visitors still have the chance to qualify for the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.

If they are to drop down to the Copa Sudamericana then Sporting Cristal need to move up to third position on the final matchday.

The current third-placed side, Universidad Catolica are two points ahead, but Sporting Cristal will overtake them if they beat Flamengo, and the Chilean outfit drop points against Talleres.

Flamengo Copa Libertadores form:

Flamengo form (all competitions):

Sporting Cristal Copa Libertadores form:

Sporting Cristal form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts are unable to call upon the services of Fabricio Bruno, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Franca and Vitinho, with the quartet all sidelined with injury issues.

Filipe Luis is also expected to be absent after missing the last four matches due to a calf problem.

With a place in the knockout rounds already secured, Flamengo could give a number of first-team regulars a rest on Tuesday.

As for Sporting Cristal, goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte dropped down to the bench for Saturday's league contest, but the 28-year-old will return to the side for the midweek encounter.

Gianfranco Chavez and Omar Merlo are expected to form the centre-back pairing for the third consecutive game.

Meanwhile, Irven Avila will continue to lead the line for the visitors as he looks to end a run of seven matches without a goal.

Flamengo possible starting lineup:

Souza; Rodnei, Caio, Pablo, Lucas; Gomes, Pereira; Ribeiro, Hugo, Lazaro; Pedro

Sporting Cristal possible starting lineup:

Duarte; Madrid, Merlo, Chavez, Loyola; Yotun, Castillo, Calcaterra; Sosa, Gonzales, Avila

We say: Flamengo 2-1 Sporting Cristal

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