Preview: Cuiaba vs. Flamengo - prediction, team news, lineups

Flamengo will be aiming to climb up the Brasileiro table when they take on winless Cuiaba at Arena Pantanal on Thursday.

The reigning champions have lost two of their last three games and are down in 10th, while Cuiaba are five points worse off in 16th.

Match preview

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Flamengo's title defence has not gone to plan so far, having lost two of their opening five matches - those two losses coming in their last three outings.

After going down 3-2 to league leaders Bragantino, the Scarlet-Black beat Fortaleza 2-1 to get their campaign back on track, only to then lose 1-0 at Juventude last time out.

Newly-promoted Juventude, who had only won one game heading into last weekend's clash, stunned their heavyweight opponents thanks to Matheus Peixoto's unstoppable shot.

Flamengo hit the bar and were denied several times by Marcelo Carne, but they ultimately lacked the quality needed in front of goal and are now well off the title pace.

Indeed, Rogerio Ceni's men are eight points adrift of Bragantino, although they do have a couple of games in hand on the early pacesetters, who are going to take some stopping.

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Cuiaba, another newly-promoted side, will be looking to add to Flamengo's misery on Thursday as they attempt to remain above the relegation zone.

The Dourado have yet to pick up a victory in their five games since earning a first promotion to the top tier, though just one of those matches has ended in defeat.

Sunday's goalless stalemate with Sport Recife was Cuiaba's third draw in a row, with goals proving to be an issue for the managerless side.

Only one side - America Mineiro - have scored fewer goals than Cuiaba's four, though their five goals conceded is among the best in the division.

With this being Cuiaba's first-ever season in the Brasileiro, Thursday's encounter will mark the first time these sides have faced off competitively in league competition.

Team News

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Flamengo's loss of form may be explained by the number of players they are currently without due to Copa America commitments.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Mauricio Isla, Gabriel Barbosa and Everton Ribeiro all remain absent for Thursday's match.

Bruno Henrique fired a blank in the loss to Juventude, but the Brazil international has three goals in five games this term and will retain his place up top.

As for Cuiaba, there is a question mark over the availability of Felipe Marques after the defender recently tested positive for COVID-19.

Murilo Rangel, Everton Sena and Uendel are the home side's other injury and fitness doubts.

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Lucas, Marllon, Paulao, Uendel; Cafu, Gava, Yuri, Pepe, Clayson; Elton

Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Alves; Matheuzinho, Arao, Henrique, Luis; Vitinho, Gomes, Diego, Michael; Pedro, Henrique

We say: Cuiaba 0-1 Flamengo

Cuiaba are seeking a first ever win in the Brasileiro, and Flamengo's loss to Juventude last weekend will provide the hosts with plenty of confidence.

However, the reigning Brazilian champions should have too much quality for their opponents, so we are backing them to prevail in a low-scoring match.