The Taça Guanabara is structured into two groups, each comprising six teams. The top four teams from each group advance to the next stage, while the bottom two will participate in a quadrangular playoff to avoid relegation, where only the last-placed team will be sent down to the Segunda Divisão of the Campeonato Carioca.
Currently, Flamengo is facing challenges, having amassed just one point from their three matches, all of which were played with a under-20 squad led by coach Bruno Pivetti. The team has a game in hand compared to its rivals, as they moved their match against Portuguesa forward to accommodate the Supercopa do Brasil final against Corinthians, scheduled for February 1 at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília.
A meeting held yesterday afternoon at the Ninho do Urubu brought together club president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, football director José Boto, and the coaching staff, including medical and physical preparation teams. The outcome of the discussions confirmed that players from the first team will be selected for the upcoming classic.
Coach Filipe Luís is expected to announce the starting lineup to the players today, as he typically informs his squad on the day of the game. It is anticipated that players requiring more intensive medical attention will begin on the bench, with all physical condition metrics from the early pre-season taken into account. This approach reflects a strategic move to balance the need for performance with player health, showcasing a commitment to both immediate success and long-term athlete welfare.