Sunday is also a derby day for the juniors. In the preliminary match between Fla and Flu among the seniors, the young talents of both clubs face off at Maracanã. And the red-and-black team is expected to have some changes compared to the team that drew with Americano on Wednesday at Gávea. Saba, Jorbison, and Diego Maurício, who missed the team's last match, could return to the field. Coach Armênio Moura, however, has not yet finalized the lineup for the match and will only decide who will play in the final training session before the derby, Saturday, at Ninho do Urubu.

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Armênio doesn't regret the draw against the Campos team at home last Wednesday. The coach knows a win was the expected result, but he emphasizes the strength of the teams considered smaller in the under-20 category. According to him, the Campeonato Carioca is more balanced at the junior level.

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"If we stop and think about it, all the big teams have already lost points. Even Fluminense, our opponent on Sunday, has already had two draws. This is because the junior championship is very competitive; very balanced. It's a very close competition, because even the teams considered small do a good job," he explained.

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Despite this, the coach is expected to make some changes to the team that took the field against Americano. Jorbison, Saba, and Diego Maurício, who are among the team's standouts, were unable to participate in the last round but still have a chance of playing on Sunday. The left-back, who has already played professionally, hopes to recover in time.

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"Unfortunately, I hurt my calf and didn't play against Americano, but I'm recovering and I believe I'll be able to play in the derby. It's a game everyone wants to play in and I hope we can win," he said.

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Facing a major rival in a packed Maracanã Stadium is a great test for coach Armênio Moura, as he sees how the youngsters will perform in the future. According to him, this is a positive experience for the players, who are already acclimating to the pace and pressure of professional football.

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"It's good that we play games at Maracanã so the boys can get used to it. The pressure of a full Maracanã is huge, but that's what they'll face in the professional arena," he concluded.