Flamengo looks to close the gap from leaders Atletico MG this week in the Brasileiro when they host Juventude. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio do Maracana, with kickoff at 1 am.
Both sides come on the back of contrasting forms in the league. The hosts picked up a triumphant 3-0 win over Fortaleza, whereas Juventude shared spoils in a 1-1 draw to America Mineiro.
Flamengo returned to winning ways last time at the Brasileiro when they scored goals in the second half. Pedro and Michael let Flamengo get an away win at Fortaleza.
This season, the reigning champions have won four and lost six of their 22 league games to collect 44 points. This puts them in second place in the table, nine points behind Atletico Mineiro.
Flamengo, who was unfortunate against Palmeiras and lost 1-0, has two games ahead of the current leaders and will certainly believe he can catch up with him in the coming weeks, but winning this game is essential.
Meanwhile, Juventude will enter the competition after a 1-1 draw with America Mineiro. Dawan Juninho canceled an early start in the duel at the Estadio Alfredo Jaconi.
Juventus has won six, drawn ten, and lost nine of their 25 league games to collect 28 points this season, bringing them to 15th place in the table.
Flamengo vs Juventude Head to Head
Both sides have seven games against each other with Flamengo taking two wins while Juventude with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Fortaleza 0-3 Flamengo
- Red Bull Braganinto 1-1 Flamengo
- Flamengo 3-0 Athletico Paranaense
- Barcelona SC 0-2 Flamengo
- America Mineiro 1-1 Flamengo
Away
- Juventude 1-1 America Mineiro
- Sport Recife 3-1 Juventude
- Palmeiras 1-1 Juventude
- Juventude 3-0 Santos
- Athletico Paranaense 2-1 Juventude
Flamengo Team News
Brazilian team Flamengo will be back without the services of David Luiz, Diego, Gustavo Henrique and Giorgian de Arrascaeta by injury while Mauricio Isla, Gabriel Barbosa and Everton Ribeiro are all out on international duty.
The home side didn’t suffer any new injuries when they beat Fortaleza, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the same starting XI were on the field since the team is currently healthy.
Juventude Team News
Juventude, however, now must cope without the injury-prone Elton for the rest of the season.
Santos coach Jorge Sampaoli will be pleased with how his players performed against America Mineiro, so he could start the same 11 for today’s match.
Prediction and Odds
It’s worth pointing out that Flamengo will be missing some key players in this game too. Even with the absence of these players, there is no doubt that this is a potential banana peel for the home side.
- Flamengo Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away