Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Brazilian Serie A match.
Flamengo
Only Los Angeles FC managed to avoid conceding more than one goal to Flamengo at the FIFA Club World Cup, holding them to a 1:1 draw. The team had already secured progression to the knockout stage and approached the match with limited motivation. Against FC Bayern Munich, the squad created higher-quality chances, registering 1.37 xG compared to 0.91 from the German champions, and showed a clear intent to push numbers forward. The defeat to FC Bayern Munich brought an end to an 11-match unbeaten run. Domestically, Flamengo lead Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in scoring, having netted 24 goals in 11 matches.
São Paulo
São Paulo entered the extended break on the back of three straight defeats, reducing their buffer above the relegation zone to just one point. This match against the league leaders marks Hernán Crespo’s first game in charge. The squad will be without two experienced players through injury and will be missing another player through suspension. São Paulo have yet to win on the road this season, with five away matches yielding no victories.
Flamengo vs São Paulo Prediction
The most recent encounter between these sides at the home ground of Flamengo ended in a 2:1 victory for the hosts. The favourites are expected to generate enough chances to comfortably surpass a routine Total Over against São Paulo.
