After Friday afternoon's tactical training session, coach Cuca stated in a press conference that he expects a great matchup between Flamengo and Cruzeiro on Sunday at Mineirão Stadium. According to the coach, both teams have great players and are in good form.

"Cruzeiro is a good team and among the best in the country. It will be a great game, decided by the details. We expect a great performance, even knowing the difficulties of facing Cruzeiro at a packed Mineirão stadium. But Flamengo fans will also be there, as always. It will be a clash between two great Brazilian football teams that are enjoying a good run."

Cuca confirmed that Everton will be Emerson's attacking partner in Sunday's derby.

"It's the duo that played against Fortaleza. They did well and deserve a chance to start. There's very little left to define the team. I tested Everton Silva in training, but initially, the team is the same one that beat Fortaleza."