Best odds: 12/5
Bookmaker:
The upcoming Fla-Flu derby between Fluminense and Flamengo is set to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams are separated by just two points in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings. The match will take place at the iconic Maracana stadium, adding to the excitement of the rivalry between the two Rio de Janeiro clubs.
Fluminense
Fernando Diniz s Fluminense side has been in impressive form recently, highlighted by their victory over fellow top-six contenders Internacional. The win came at a crucial time for the club, as Diniz was just named Brazil s interim coach until 2024, adding to the significance of the match.
Fluminense s recent victory, thanks to goals from German Cano and Matheus Martinelli, helped them climb to fourth place in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings, putting them only two points behind second-placed Flamengo their upcoming rivals in the much-anticipated Fla-Flu derby.
In addition to their strong domestic form, Fluminense s journey in the Copa Libertadores has been promising, as they qualified from the group phase and are set to face Argentinos Juniors in the first knockout round in August.
Under Diniz s guidance, Fluminense has already won the 2023 Campeonato Carioca by defeating Flamengo in a thrilling two-legged final. Furthermore, Diniz s appointment as Brazil s interim coach puts him against experienced international coaches like Luiz Felipe Scolari s Internacional, whom they recently defeated.
With their recent successes, Fluminense will be eager to continue their impressive run of form and secure a positive result against Flamengo in the upcoming derby, further solidifying their position among the top teams in Brazilian football.
Team News
Fluminense will indeed have to cope with the absence of winger Keno due to suspension, which has been an emotional setback for the player. Coach Fernando Diniz, who has had his own share of disciplinary issues this year, will be present in the Maracana dugout for the highly anticipated Fla-Flu classic.
Despite the suspension, Fluminense has several new signings, including Uruguayan midfielder Leo Fernandez, who could be called upon to contribute. The team also recently welcomed back centre-back Marlon, who re-joined the club from Shakhtar Donetsk through a loan deal with Monza, but he is unavailable due to a suspension picked up during his time in Italy s Serie A.
However, one notable signing, Diogo Barbosa, is not yet available for selection. This means that former Real Madrid player Marcelo is expected to continue at left-back. Additionally, experienced stars Paulo Henrique Ganso (recovering from plantar fasciitis) and Felipe Melo (coming back from a knee injury) have successfully overcome their injury concerns and returned to training, potentially bolstering Fluminense s lineup.
Flamengo
Jorge Sampaoli, the current coach of Flamengo, has had a diverse coaching career that once saw him at the helm of Argentina s national team. However, his tenure there came to an end after the 2018 World Cup, and he eventually made his way to Rio de Janeiro to take charge of Flamengo.
Under Sampaoli s guidance, Flamengo has been showing impressive form in recent matches. They secured a 1-1 draw in their most recent league fixture against Palmeiras and extended their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions by defeating Athletico Paranaense in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals.
Flamengo had previously eliminated Fluminense from the Copa do Brasil last month with a hard-fought 2-0 victory in the return leg, following a goalless draw in the first leg at the Maracana.
With their impressive performances, Flamengo is now in the last four of the Copa do Brasil, a competition they are defending champions of, and they have high ambitions of achieving a remarkable treble this year. In addition to their Copa do Brasil campaign, they are eagerly awaiting a last-16 tie in the Copa Libertadores against Olimpia. Furthermore, their strong performances in the Campeonato Brasileiro have put them in a favorable position.
Having won eight of their last 10 league matches, Flamengo is currently experiencing their best form of the season. However, despite their recent success, they are still chasing runaway leaders Botafogo, who have built up a significant 10-point advantage and are proving to be a formidable opponent.
Team News
Flamengo has been active in the transfer market, making significant changes to their squad. They recently terminated the contract of Arturo Vidal, and they have brought in new signings Luiz Araujo, Allan, and Agustin Rossi, all of whom are expected to be included in the squad for Sunday s match against Fluminense.
Despite being sent off during stoppage time in the midweek cup win, Gerson, the former Marseille midfielder, is still likely to start in the match. Additionally, Erick Pulgar returns to the lineup after serving a one-match suspension.
Upfront, Gabriel Barbosa, who recently recovered from an ankle problem, returned to the starting lineup in the midweek fixture and is expected to lead the attack for Flamengo once again in the upcoming Fla-Flu derby at the Maracana.
Conclusion
It certainly seems like a highly anticipated and exciting match. Fluminense s strong defensive record at home and their unbeaten run in the Brasileiro this season could pose a challenge for Flamengo s free-scoring attack. The Maracana is sure to be buzzing with the rivalry and passion of the Fla-Flu derby.
Given the form of both teams and the importance of the match, a draw does seem like a plausible outcome. However, in football, anything can happen, and both sides will be eager to claim the bragging rights in this famous Rio de Janeiro derby. Fans can expect an entertaining clash between two top teams in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 12/5
Bookmaker:
