Flamengo hosts Sampaio Corrêa this Saturday, at 9pm (Brasília time), at Estádio of Maracanã, for the sixth round of Taça Guanabara of Campeonato Carioca 2026. The match takes on extra importance due to the fight against relegation in Grupo B of Saúl remains a confirmed absence due to an injury to his left ankle and will not play today, even though the official lineup 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 is experiencing its worst start to the season in 24 years. Nos first eight games of 2026, Flamengo has just one win, two draws and five defeats, with a 21% success rate. Esse performance only negatively surpasses the 2002 campaign. The team starts the round in fifth place in Grupo B, within the risk zone, and needs to win combined with favorable results in other games to advance to the quarter-finals.
- Flamengo needs to beat Sampaio Corrêa.
- Madureira has to lose to Volta Redonda, with Rubro-Negro reversing a three-goal deficit.
- Boavista should be defeated by Bangu, with two goal difference reversed.
- New Iguaçu can draw or lose to Portuguesa.
Sampaio Corrêa also occupies a delicate position in Grupo A and enters the field needing victory to maintain a real chance of qualifying. The team from Maranhão, even as a visitor, promises not to make it easy and seeks to surprise in the classic stadium.
Saúl out and impact in midfield
Saúl remains sidelined due to an injury to his left ankle. The player is not fit to play and remains a confirmed absence for the match. The absence reinforces the need for adjustments in the intermediate sector. Filipe Luís works with limited options to maintain defensive and creative balance.
Probable lineups for Flamengo
Filipe Luís must make changes to compensate for the squad still undergoing physical recovery. Danilo returns after a particular problem and is available. Jorginho remains out due to an injury to his left thigh. The likely lineup for Flamengo is Rossi; Varela, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz (Vitão) and Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Evertton Araújo and Arrascaeta (Carrascal); Paquetá (Silver), Samuel Lino (Cebolinha) and Pedro. Outros absences include Luiz Araújo (right thigh). Nenhum athlete appears hanging.
Tactical options for Rubro-Negro
Evertton Araújo gains preference on the fly to provide more consistency. Arrascaeta can be preserved in part of the game, making room for Carrascal. In attack, Plata and Cebolinha compete for positions to vary the pace. The changes aim to recover Flamengo’s usual dominance at home.
Sampaio Corrêa Expected Lineup
Antônio Carlos Roy maintains the basis of the last rounds. Pablo is suspended and leaves a vacancy in midfield. 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 are Daniel Nunes, Luan Gama and Ewerton Potiguar.
Arbitration defined for the confrontation
Alex Gomes Stefano commands the match at the main whistle. The assistants are Júlio César Souza Gaudêncio and Fábio Ramos França. Paulo Renato Moreira of Silva Coelho acts in the VAR.
Broadcast and how to follow
The match reaches multiple platforms for fans. sportv broadcasts on pay TV. Premiere available on pay-per-view. ge tv shows on the YouTube channel. The ge.globo website offers detailed real time with video bidding and updated statistics.
The duel ends a decisive round in the group stage of Carioca 2026. The result directly influences the final positions in the groups and the fate of the teams in the competition.
