Verdict: Flamengo win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Turning their attention back to Serie A action on Saturday night, Flamengo will welcome a struggling Sao Paulo to the Maracana.

Flamengo

Starting with the hosts, while Flamengo might have watched their Club World Cup campaign come to an end last week as they fell to a 4-2 defeat against German giants Bayern Munich, Felipe Luis’ camp should take plenty of positives away from their summer adventure. Collecting what was a heavyweight European scalp on June 20th as they claimed a sensational 3-1 victory against Chelsea, the South American icons registered seven points from their three group stage appearances. Last seen in Serie A action storming their way to a 5-0 romp against Fortaleza, Flamengo have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 matchups across all competitions. Enjoying what has been quite the free-scoring flurry in the final third, Luis’ men will be excited to turn their attention back to domestic duties here.

Flamengo Team News

Ahead of their return to the Maracana on Saturday night, Flamengo have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Veteran striker Bruno Henrique could be handed a full recall and make a first start since June 1st.

Completing a summer switch from Premier League giants Arsenal last month, Italian international Jorginho will make his Serie A debut here. One-time Juventus defender Alex Sandro will start at left-back.

Sao Paulo

As for the visitors, while Sao Paulo might have cruised their way to a Copa Libertadores knockout stage ticket back in May, Hernan Crespo’s men are enduring what has been a worrying Serie A rut. Last seen prior to the summer interval getting hit with a 3-1 drumming at home against Vasco, the one-time Chelsea striker has seen his squad lose all of their previous three straight domestic appearances. Signing off May with a 2-1 defeat against Bahia, Saturday’s guests mark their return this weekend holding just a one-point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone. Pencilled in as a major underdog here, Sao Paulo have also put just a single Serie A win on the board since a 2-1 victory against Santos back on April 20th.

Sao Paulo Team News

Making an emotional return to his homeland ahead of the 2025 campaign, former Chelsea star Oscar should return from a thigh issue. However, dealing with what has been a long-term knee injury, ex-Tottenham ace Lucas Moura is not expected to feature on Saturday night.

Completing a free transfer from Arsenal this year, former Arsenal defender Cedric Soares will start at right-back. Former Brazil international Luis Gustavo could make a first domestic appearance since the end of March.

Flamengo vs Sao Paulo Key Factors to Consider

• When Flamengo and Sao Paulo last met on January 19th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate in Morumbi.
• Despite their Club World Cup exit against Bayern Munich last week, that is the only loss that Flamengo have suffered from their previous 12 appearances across all competitions.
• Sao Paulo have lost their last three straight Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2.
• Flamengo have not suffered a single Serie A defeat in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.
• Seven of the last eight meetings between Flamengo and Sao Paulo have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Excited to turn their attention back to domestic duties this weekend, Flamengo should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Leading the chase at the top of the Serie A table, the South American heavyweights have received plenty of plaudits from across the globe. Suffering just a single defeat from their previous 12 appearances across all competitions, Luiz’s side also hold a dominant record on home soil. Not suffering a single Serie A defeat at the Maracana so far this calendar year, we are backing a home victory on Saturday night.

Verdict: Flamengo win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet