Prediction: Palmeiras vs Flamengo

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what is a heavyweight showdown at the top of the Serie A standings, Palmeiras will welcome Flamengo to the Allianz Parque in the early hours of Sunday.

Palmeiras

Starting with the hosts, while Palmerias might have opened the 2023 campaign with their sights set on defending their Serie A crown, Abel Ferreira’s men are some way off the pace. Although the Brazilian giants might have signed off June with a thumping 4-0 victory against Bolivar in Copa Libertadores action, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for the Big Green. Last seen putting in another downbeat display earlier in the week as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat away at Sao Paulo, the former Braga boss has seen his squad won just one of their last five appearances across all competitions. However, desperate to make a crucial statement in the early hours of Sunday, Palmerias should be excited by their continued success on home soil. Including a 3-1 win against Coritiba last month, it should be noted that Ferreira’s men have won four of their last five showdowns at the Allianz Parque.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Palmeiras will once again be without the duo of Aduard Atuesta and Jailson Marques Siqueira this weekend. Shown a pair of bookings against Athletico-PR earlier in the month, 21-year-old Garcia will serve a one-match suspension on Sunday.

However, returning to Ferreira’s matchday squad earlier in the week, 34-year-old Marcos Rocha could make a first appearance since the end of May. Notching four Serie A strikes this season, 16-year-old sensation Endrick will spearhead the Verdao’s attack here.

Flamengo

As for the visitors, although Flamengo might have been disappointed after missing out on a top-four finish last season, the Mengao have come flying out of the traps this time around. Last seen putting in another eye-catching display as they clinched a 2-1 victory against Athletico-PR while on Copa do Brasil duties in midweek, Jorge Sampaoli’s men have now won each of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Likewise, breezing their way to the knockout stage of this year’s Copa Libertadores on June 28th as they clinched a 4-0 romp against Aucas, the former Sevilla boss should be excited by his side’s continued success in the final third. Including an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Santos last month, it should be noted that Flamengo have notched 11 strikes on their four-match winning run. While Sampaoli’s side might be tipped as a real underdog pick this weekend, the Gavea-based outfit could be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight upset.

Team News

Settling for a spot on the bench in midweek after returning from a brief knock, former Barcelona superstar Arturo Vidal could make a first appearance since returning from June’s international break. Likewise, 35-year-old Titi is free to make a full return after serving a one-match suspension against Fortaleza on July 1st.

However, still dealing with a long-term injury issue, Flamengo will once again be without experienced goalkeeper Fernando Miguel this weekend. 22-year-old Matheus Cunha will once again start between the sticks here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met in the Supercopa do Brasil showpiece event on January 28th, Palmeiras picked up an action-packed 4-3 victory.
• However, Sunday’s hosts have managed to muster just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all formats.
• Nevertheless, the Big Green have suffered just a single defeat in front of their own supporters so far this season.
• Flamengo have won each of their last four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-3.
• The Mengao have seen their last three showdowns away from the Maracana produce 14 goals at both teams of the pitch.
• Four of the last five meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Picking up a first-leg Copa do Brasil advantage in midweek thanks to a lively 2-1 victory against Athletico-PR, Flamengo could be smelling the chance to spring a real upset here. Winning each of their last four straight appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-3, an inconsistent Palmeiras should face a stern test this weekend. Although the reigning Serie A champions might have gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil, the Big Green have claimed just a single win from their previous five outings. It should be noted, with four of the last five showdowns between Sunday’s opponents finishing with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting what could be another pulsating affair from the Allianz Parque.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet