This Friday night has a special attraction for basketball fans. A clash of giants will liven up the Novo Basquete Brasil. The biggest winner in the history of the sport in the country faces the current powerhouse of the orange ball. Franca hosts Flamengo later today at 19 p.m. for an important match in the qualifying phase of the 2009-2010 NBB. The duel also marks the return of the competition's top scorer, Marcelinho Machado, to the court.

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After missing Flamengo's Liga das Américas match and spending 38 days training separately from the group, the number 4 returns to action today, and right away with a high-level match. Aware of the difficulties the Red-Blacks will face in this Friday's match, Marcelinho hopes to overcome the lack of rhythm with great determination.

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"It's going to be a tough game. They're playing at a faster pace than us, and we're going to feel the lack of rhythm a little. We're going to try to overcome this lack of rhythm as much as possible and try to win with a lot of will and dedication," he noted.

Power forward Guilherme Teichmann, one of Flamengo's standout players at the start of the 2009-2010 season, provides a tactical analysis of the São Paulo team. According to him, coach Paulo Chupeta's team needs to be wary of Franca's speed and finishing ability.

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"They have a strong defense and play a lot on the counterattack. We have to be careful in attack because they really like to play that way, to make that transition," he explained.

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Teichmann's statements have a theoretical basis. Center Alírio reveals that the coaching staff studied the opponent—as usual—and believes the team is prepared for this weekend's challenges. After all, in addition to Franca this Friday, Flamengo faces Araraquara on Sunday at 11 a.m.

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"We watched the São Paulo championship game on TV, and João Batista recorded one of the matches. We have to be careful not to be surprised," he revealed.