Desperation enters the pitch

Flamengo and Juventude play this Thursday at the Maracana Stadium, desperately needing a win to increase their chances of remaining in the Brazilian Serie A. With 18 points in 17 games, Flamengo hopes to get its third straight win at home, while Juventude - with 18 points in 19 games - hasn't really performed well away from Caxias do Sul.

Four regular starters return to Flamengo, coming back from suspension: Leo Moura, Juan, Roger and Souza. Jeventude will have a new coach, Beto Almeida. Right-back Jucemar is out injured. Midfielder Julio Cesar, who is coming back from suspension, will likely be left on the bench.