Flamengo vs Fortaleza Prediction and Betting Tip - Odds, H2H and Preview Predictions

Flamengo vs Fortaleza Preview

Brazilian Serie A action beckons on Sunday, with second placed Flamengo, who have won Brazil’s top flight seven times since 1990, take on a struggling Fortaleza, who sit just a point and a place above the relegation zone after 10 games.

Flamengo have been scintillating so far this campaign, and many are surprised to see them not topping the table. However, the form of Palmeiras has been equally impressive - it seems that this season's title race promises to be a tight one.

Meanwhile, Fortaleza are focused on improvement - they have won just two of their opening 10 league games, and while four draws have seen them accumulate enough points to remain safe for now, picking up individual points is not a sustainable strategy for survival.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Flamengo are the top scoring side in the Serie A, with their 19 goals three more than any other competitor.
• They have also suffered the fewest defeats, losing just once, but three draws have allowed Palmeiras to capitalize and take top spot.
• Fortaleza have won just twice in their last 14 games, though surprisingly they qualified for the knockout-rounds of the Copa Libertadores, finishing second in their group.
• Leandro Martinez has been a combative force in the Fortaleza midfield this season - no other player has seen the yellow card more often, with the Argentine being warned on five occasions.

Flamengo Preview

Flamengo Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Agustin Rossi (GK); Alex Sandro, Leo Pereira, Leo Ortiz, Guillermo Varela; Evertton Araujo, Gerson; Everton, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Luiz Araujo; Bruno Henrique.

Flamengo have been irresistible since the start of the Serie A season, and more widely speaking, across all competitions since the start of February. They failed to win their first four games of the Carioca Taca Guanabara, but in the subsequent 32 games, they have lost just twice.

However, their league form could take a hit at some point, as they will be competing in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, as well as in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup next month, competitions that will sap energy and likely morale too, considering the strength of other sides in the competition.

That is why it is so important Flamengo pick up points wherever they can - facing 16th place Fortaleza and bottom of the table San Recife in their last two league games before the CWC provides a great chance to strengthen their position. They will come back from the competition absolutely drained, but if they win here, the damage done to their league position while they have been away will be limited.

Fortaleza Preview

Fortaleza Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Joao Ricardo (GK); Gustavo Mancha, David Luiz, Benjamin Kuscevic; Eros Mancuso, Tomas Pochettino, Matheus Rossetto, Yago Pikachu; Allanzinho, Deyverson, Calebe.

Fortaleza appear to have significantly regressed so far this season. They are usually a very competitive side in Brazil’s top flight, and have sealed a top half finish every campaign since 2021.

However, a ponderous start to the year has seen them virtually eliminate themselves from the top of the table discussion already, and focus has already shifted to how they can rescue their season.

Though their attacking and defensive records are respectable, their ability to pick up results is not, and six draws and three defeats in their last 11 games across all competitions has underlined that they may not have the manpower or squad depth to compete with their rivals this year.

Flamengo vs Fortaleza Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 26/11/2024: Fortaleza 0-0 Flamengo.
• 12/07/2024: Flamengo 1-2 Fortaleza.
• 05/11/2023: Fortaleza 0-2 Flamengo.
• 01/07/2023: Flamengo 2-0 Fortaleza.
• 28/09/2022: Fortaleza 3-2 Flamengo.

Flamengo vs Fortaleza Betting Tip

League position, recent form, and a simple squad overview all indicate that Flamengo should emerge with the win here, and although they haven’t had the best of luck against Fortaleza in recent clashes, this year they look a lot closer to the finished article.

That is why our experts have decided that the best tip for this fixture is the back Flamengo to win. Odds of 1.36 on Highbet mean that a £10 stake would return over £13 should the bet win.

Flamengo vs Fortaleza Prediction

Flamengo 3-1 Fortaleza

Flamengo have been pretty goal friendly at both ends recently, and we will likely see goals for both teams. However, Flamengo’s superior quality will mean they are never in danger of dropping points here.