Athletico Paranaense vs Flamengo – News and Probable Lineups

Athletico Paranaense and Flamengo are set to clash in league play at the Arena da Baixada during round 16 of the Campeonato Brasileiro this Sunday.

The Furacao aims to capitalize on their home ground advantage as they seek to solidify their place in the higher tier of the standings, while the visitors will be striving to bounce back from their recent exit in the Copa do Brasil.

Match overview

Athletico Paranaense has had a commendable season since returning to Serie A, with Odair Hellmann’s squad transforming the Arena da Baixada into a stronghold, securing the joint most points at home alongside Palmeiras and Fluminense (19).

The Furacao is realistically targeting a Copa Libertadores spot, currently positioned fifth in the league table with 23 points from 15 matches, having advanced to the last 16 of the Copa do Brasil after eliminating Atletico Goianiense on penalties in Goiania last Thursday.

Veteran goalkeeper Santos was pivotal in the penalty shootout, while Viveros, Mendoza, Esquivel, and Jadson successfully converted their chances to propel Athletico Paranaense forward, providing a timely morale boost as they return to league fixtures.

Paranaense has not secured a win in their last two Brasileirao encounters, having played to a goalless draw against Gremio on May 3 before falling 1-0 to Vasco da Gama at the Estadio Sao Januario last Monday.

The defeat against Vasco marked their fifth successive away loss, yet they return home unbeaten in their last seven games across all competitions, recording five victories and two draws since March.

On the other hand, Flamengo visits Curitiba sitting second in the Serie A standings with 30 points from 14 matches, four points adrift of league leaders Palmeiras, although they have one match in hand.

While Leonardo Jardim’s team has demonstrated defensive prowess this season, they are also the leading scoring team in the league with 27 goals, surpassing all other teams in the division.

Their Copa do Brasil elimination by Vitoria on Friday ended Flamengo’s unbeaten run across all competitions at 10 games, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Estadio Manoel Barradas after having won the first leg 2-1 at home on April 23.

Leonardo Jardim’s players will now travel to the Arena da Baixada, where the outcome of this match could significantly impact the title race, marking their first meeting since September 2024 between these two highly competitive teams.

Flamengo will be confident about their chances this weekend, having remained unbeaten in eight of their last 10 encounters against Paranaense, securing six wins and two draws since July 2022.

Team News

Athletico Paranaense will undergo significant changes due to the loss of several key players, with Carlos Teran suffering a new muscle injury against Vasco and not expected back until after the World Cup break.

Luiz Gustavo has also sustained a calf injury in the previous match, while Colombian midfielder Portilla will be absent due to suspension after his yellow card against Vasco last Monday.

However, there’s good news for Paranaense, as Hellmann is set to welcome back Kevin Viveros, Benavidez, and defender Lucas Esquivel following recent suspensions.

Jadson and 24-year-old midfielder Felipinho are likely to orchestrate play from the center of the field, while 25-year-old Julimar is still sidelined with an ankle problem.

For Flamengo, the notable absence remains experienced forward Giorgian de Arrascaeta, as the 31-year-old continues to recover following clavicle surgery.

Jorginho and Evertton Araujo are suspended due to yellow card accumulation, whereas Alex Sandro is eligible for selection after serving his suspension last time out.

Pedro has emerged as a standout player for Flamengo, and the 28-year-old forward, currently joint-top of the Brasileirao scoring charts with eight goals, will aim to make an impact once more.

Athletico Paranaense probable starting XI:

Santos; Esquivel, Aguirre, Dias; Benavidez, Jadson, Felipinho, Mendoza; Zapelli, Cruz; Viveros

Flamengo probable starting XI:

Rossi; Varela, Ortiz, Pereira, Sandro; De La Cruz, Saul; Araujo, Carrascal, Lino; Peter Peter.

Athletico Paranaense is anticipated to depend on the atmosphere at the Arena da Baixada to compete with a more technically proficient rival, although they may find it challenging to sustain a fast pace over the full 90 minutes.

Flamengo heads into the match as the favorite due to their overall quality and capability to perform under pressure in away fixtures. While this match promises to be competitive and open, the Rubro-Negro squad appears better positioned to exploit any gaps and potentially secure a narrow victory.