In a top-of-the-table six-pointer in the Brasileiro, in-form Palmeiras will host Flamengo at Allianz Parque on Sunday.
Verdao will be looking to extend their impressive winning streak this weekend, while Mengao will be hoping to make it four wins from five.
Match preview
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Abel Ferreira‘s Flamengo are currently on a seven-game winning run, and having won 13 and lost just one of their last 14 across all competitions, they are in exceptional form.
On Thursday, Verdao followed up their 2-1 top-flight victory over RB Bragantino by beating league opponents Ceara 3-0 in the Copa do Brasil, courtesy of a brace from Estevao and a late sealer from Flaco Lopez.
Their Brasilerio triumph saw Ferreira’s side extend their lead at the top of the table to four points, with this weekend’s visitors back in second place.
That being said, Sunday’s hosts have performed significantly better on the road than at home in recent weeks, and with only two wins from their last six league games at Allianz Parque, they may feel that their chances at amassing a major points advantage are slim.
Should Palmeiras earn what would be their eighth win from their opening 10 matches of the top-flight season, then they could move up to seven points clear at the top of the tree depending on results elsewhere.
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Meanwhile, Filipe Luis‘s Flamengo have made a strong start to the campaign having only lost one of their previous 12 games across all competitions, and they will be confident of reducing the gap to their opponents this weekend.
Last time out, Mengao progressed in the cup with a 4-2 win over Botafogo PB, though they dropped two points when they drew 0-0 in their most recent league game against Botafogo.
That stalemate has made avoiding defeat in this fixture crucial for Luis’s side, who are now just one point ahead of third-placed Cruzeiro and fourth-placed Bragantino, as well as within three of fifth-placed Ceara and sixth-placed Bahia.
However, while the visitors have lost just once in the Brasileiro this term, their travelling record that features only one win from their last five away games suggests that they may struggle to gain ground on their title rivals on Sunday.
On the other hand, Flamengo have proven to be resilient on their travels in the Brasileiro, and with just one defeat in their 10 most recent away league fixtures – a 2-1 loss against Cruzeiro on May 4 – their fans would be forgiven for being optimistic.
Team News
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Palmeiras will be without midfielder Richard Rios this weekend as he serves a suspension for accumulating yellow cards, and Lucas Evangelista could take his place alongside Emiliano Martinez.
Verdao are also likely to be missing versatile winger Felipe Anderson after he was taken off with an injury against Ceara, so expect to see Mayke line up at right wing-back.
As for Flamengo, midfielder Nicolas de la Cruz was taken off with an injury against Botafogo in their last league match and is a doubt for Sunday’s clash.
In his absence, Gerson should join Evertton Araujo in the centre of the park, with Everton operating just in front of them.
Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton; Giay, Gomez, Murilo; Allan, Rios, Martinez, Piquerez; Estevao, Torres; Lopez
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Wesley, Ortiz, Pereira, Sandro; L Araujo, E Araujo, Gerson, Everton; Pedro, Henrique
We say: Palmeiras 1-2 Flamengo
Palmeiras are in strong from overall, but their home record is notably poor, suggesting that they may struggle to maintain their lead at the top of the table this weekend.
In contrast, Flamengo have been resilient on the road in the Brasileiro, and they are likely to pose a threat to Verdao on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
