Filipe Luís is expected to change Flamengo's lineup for the match against Atlético-MG, in the Copa do Brasil

Even after beating Atlético-MG last weekend in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo will not repeat the same starting lineup in the new match against the Minas Gerais club. On Thursday (31), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), the two teams will face each other again, this time in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, at Maracanã. For this match, Filipe Luís will opt for an alternative lineup.

The decision to retain key players was made with the approval of Flamengo's board. Flamengo's priority at this time is the Brasileirão, followed by the Copa Libertadores. Thus, the Copa do Brasil appears as the third option in the season's sports planning. The strategy aims to reduce the attrition of the most frequently used players and preserve the squad for more significant challenges.

Pedro and Wallace Yan are expected to start from the start. Both are suspended for the next Brasileirão match, against Ceará, and should therefore get some playing time against Atlético-MG. Another name being considered is goalkeeper Matheus Cunha, who remains a starter in Copa do Brasil matches, despite having signed a pre-contract with Cruzeiro . In a recent interview, Filipe Luís commented on the player's situation: "His pre-contract doesn't impact his opportunities."

Jorginho and Arrascaeta are among the most likely players to be rested. The Italian-Brazilian midfielder, for example, was used more than expected last weekend, starting despite having planned to be a substitute. The Uruguayan remains under medical monitoring, with his workload monitored.

Defense is the most challenging area for rotation. Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira, regular starters, have accumulated 2,860 and 2,820 minutes played in 2025, respectively. Danilo, the immediate reserve, is also in the top 10 in minutes played. Given this scenario, the coaching staff should rely on young players coming through the youth ranks to fill the defense.

Even with a backup lineup, Flamengo is expected to rely on players seeking more space under Filipe Luís. Players like Juninho and Everton Cebolinha have a chance to break into the starting lineup and seize the opportunity to establish themselves in the rotation.

Finally, the red-black squad will hold the last training session before the match on Wednesday (30), at 3:30 pm (Brasília time), at Ninho do Urubu. The official definition of the starting team will take place after this activity, according to the schedule released by the club.