With each match, coach Andrade has to prove that he has a cohesive group at Flamengo, capable of performing well in any situation. This Sunday, at 19:30 PM, against Boavista in Volta Redonda, it will be no different. The coach will be without five key players, and therefore will rely on the club's youth academy prospects to secure three more points and end their participation in the first phase of the Taça Guanabara with a victory.

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A victory is important not only to close this cycle with a flourish, but also to guarantee the red-and-blacks first place in the group, undefeated. Coach Andrade considered fielding as many starters as possible, but had to change his plans. Forward Vagner Love felt discomfort in his right thigh and was ruled out at the last minute. Gil will play in his place. Midfielder Willians has not recovered from his left ankle injury and remains out. David and Toró are serving automatic suspensions. Fernando, Lenon, and Alvaro will start.

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Defender Ronaldo Angelim, who has two yellow cards, will be rested by the coaching staff. Another player who will miss the game is Adriano, who felt something during the last day of training before the match. In his place, the motivated Bruno Mezenga will start, having scored two goals against Volta Redonda in his last opportunity as a starter for Flamengo.

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"I've been working hard and trying to make the most of the opportunities I receive here at Flamengo. Now I'll have another one and I hope to live up to expectations again," he said.

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With the youngsters on the field, Andrade hopes to give them playing time and have an ever-growing range of options for the remainder of the season, which still includes the Copa Libertadores and the defense of the national championship title.

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"We need to let them get into the rhythm of the game. It's important that these players are always prepared to enter a possible semi-final. We want to let them play freely. We have a very good group," he stated.

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Furthermore, one player from this squad has earned an interesting spot following Petkovic's recent absence. Vinícius Pacheco, one of the most praised players in this early stage of the State Championship, will be responsible for orchestrating the Flamengo attacks.

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TECHNICAL SHEET
BOAVISTA VS FLAMENGO

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Stadium: Raulino de Oliveira, Volta Redonda (RJ)
Date/Time: 07/02/2010 - 19:30 PM
Referee: Maurício Machado Coelho Júnior
Assistants: Francisco Pereira de Souza and Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Corrêa

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BOAVISTA: Vinicius, Ruy, Pessanha, Edson and Paulo Rodrigues; Julio Cesar, Douglas Pedroso, Léo Faria and Tony; Leandro Cruz and Léo Guerreiro. Coach: Emerson Ávila.

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FLAMENGO: Bruno, Leo Moura, Álvaro, Fabrício and Juan; Lenon, Fernando, Kleberson and Vinícius Pacheco; Bruno Mezenga and Gil. Coach: Andrade.