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Verdict: Flamengo win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
Hoping to shore up their spot in the top-five chase, Flamengo will travel to Cuiaba late on Wednesday night.
Cuiaba
Starting with the hosts, enduring what has been a real Serie A struggle this season, Cuiaba are seeking a miracle if they are to keep hold of their top-flight status. Marking their return from November’s international break sat eight points adrift of Serie A status, Bernardo Franco’s men should be bracing themselves for another heavyweight challenge on Wednesday night. Despite heading into the fortnight interval with a gritty 0-0 stalemate away at Botafogo, the Dourado have collected just a single win from any of their previous 16 straight appearances across all competitions. With that extended rut stemming all the way back to August 31st, Cuiaba have also shown some glaring issues in the final third. In fact, Wednesday’s hosts have notched just a single Serie A strike since the start of October.
Team News
While Alan Empereur might have been dealing with a muscle injury prior to November’s international break, the former Palmeiras defender could make a return here. Despite missing out against Botafogo last time out after serving a one-match suspension, the 29-year-old is free to feature on Wednesday night.
While Isidro Pitta might have failed to record a single goal across any competition since the middle of August, the one-time Huesca youngster should lead the line in midweek. Arriving from Olympiacos on a loan deal earlier in the year, Ramon will start at the back.
Flamengo
As for the visitors, although Flamengo might have been forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Atletico-MG last week, the Mengao have continued to shine over the past six weeks. Sat in the driving seat to punch another Copa Libertadores group stage ticket, Filipe Luis’ camp will be looking to shore up their spot in the top-five chase. Crowned Copa do Brasil champions earlier in the month as they secured a famous 1-0 victory against Atletico Mineiro, Wednesday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 straight appearances across all competitions. Smelling the chance to extend on their recent purple patch, Flamengo will also be excited by their defensive steel. In fact, the Brazilian heavyweights have recorded three consecutive domestic clean sheets.
Team News
While former Eintracht Frankfurt starlet Allan might have served a one-match suspension against Atletico-MG last week, the 27-year-old could make a full return here. However, still dealing with a long-term Achilles tendon injury, one-time Benfica star Everton remains on the sidelines.
While former Chelsea defender David Luis might have turned 37 earlier in the year, the former Brazil international should keep his spot at the back. Arriving from Italian giants Juventus on a free transfer back in August, Alex Sandro will feature alongside Luiz.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Cuiaba and Flamengo met for their reverse Serie A showdown on July 7th, Wednesday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
- Flamengo have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their seven historic meetings against Cuiaba.
- The Mengao have lost just one of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions.
- Flamengo have recorded three consecutive clean sheets across all formats.
- Cuiaba have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous 16 straight matchups across all competitions.
Conclusion
Enjoying what has been a real flurry over the past six weeks and sat in the driving seat to punch another Copa Libertadores group stage ticket this season, Flamengo will be looking to shore up their spot in the top-five chase. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions, Wednesday’s guests should be smelling another potential opportunity here. Crowned Copa do Brasil champions on November 10th as they clinched a famous 1-0 victory against Atletico Mineiro, we are backing an away win in midweek.
Verdict: Flamengo win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster