Flamengo and Sampaio Corrêa face each other this Saturday, at 9pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in the sixth round of Taça Guanabara of Campeonato Carioca 2026. The confrontation defines the chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals for Rubro-Negro. Arrascaeta is listed and appears as a likely option in the starting line-up in midfield, even though the official line-up has not yet been released. The broadcast takes place on Premiere, sportv and ge tv, with real-time coverage on ge.globo including exclusive videos.
The Rio team records its worst start to a season in 24 years. Nos first eight games of 2026, totaling one win, two draws and five defeats, with a 21% success rate. The index is second only to that of 2002. Flamengo starts the round in fifth place than
- Mandatory victory against Sampaio Corrêa.
- Madureira needs to lose to Volta Redonda, with three goal difference reversed by Rubro-Negro.
- Boavista should fall to Bangu, with two goal difference reversed.
- New Iguaçu can draw or lose to Portuguesa.
Sampaio Corrêa is fighting against relegation in Grupo A and needs to win to keep the possibility of the quarterfinals alive. The visitor arrives ready to make things difficult for the home team at the stadium.
Related Arrascaeta and creative role
Arrascaeta is among those listed and is part of the projections as a starter in the frame. The Uruguayan midfielder’s physical condition is monitored, but has coach Filipe Luís’s preference. Sua presence increases the quality of play creation. The player seeks to dictate the pace and help the team recover.
Probable lineups for Flamengo
Filipe Luís adjusts the team to compensate for the squad still undergoing physical recovery. Danilo returns after private question. The likely red-black lineup is Rossi; Varela, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz (Vitão) and Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Evertton Araújo and Arrascaeta (Carrascal); Paquetá (Silver), Samuel Lino (Cebolinha) and Pedro. Desfalques include Saúl (left ankle), Jorginho (left thigh) and Luiz Araújo (right thigh). Nenhum hanging.
Alternatives in midfield
Arrascaeta leads the frame options, with Carrascal as a natural replacement if preservation is needed. Evertton Araújo gains space on the steering wheel for balance. Paquetá acts more advanced to connect attacks. The choices aim for greater control and quick transitions in Maracanã.
Formation of Sampaio Corrêa
Antônio Carlos Roy maintains the recent base with an adjustment in the middle. Pablo is suspended. The likely lineup for Sampaio Corrêa is Zé Carlos; Lucas Carvalho, Daniel Nunes, Lucas Marreta and Guilherme; Martini, Alexandre Souza and Rodrigo Andrade; Octávio, Luan Gama and Matheus Iacovelli. Pendurados: Daniel Nunes, Luan Gama and Ewerton Potiguar.
Arbitration defined
Alex Gomes Stefano commands the main whistle. Assistentes: Júlio César Souza Gaudêncio and Fábio Ramos França. VAR: Paulo Renato Moreira from Silva Coelho.
Transmission and monitoring
The game arrives on multiple platforms. sportv shows on closed TV. Premiere offers pay-per-view. ge tv broadcasts on YouTube. ge.globo offers real-time video bidding and statistics.
The final round of the group stage of Carioca 2026 directly impacts the tables. The result defines the classifieds and who continues in the fight for the title or avoids relegation.
