Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker:
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
