Cuiabá vs Flamengo Prediction: The Cariocas are the favorites

Cuiabá will host Flamengo at the Arena Pantanal in a tricky game for the home side. Flamengo is in fourth place, with no chance of fighting for the title, but is boosted by its victory in the Copa do Brasil. Cuibá needs a miracle to escape relegation, as the club is eight points below the red line with five games left to play.

The Golden Dorado stopped leader Botafogo in the last round, drawing 0-0 at the Nilton Santos. The result was surprising but, unfortunately, not good enough, as Cuiabá probably must win every game to avoid relegation. The team has improved considerably defensively and has only conceded two goals in the last five matches. The problem is that the Matogrossenses haven't scored in those games, making it impossible for them to win. The next opponent is the mighty Flamengo, and Cuiabá will likely defend deep and wait for opportunities to counter-attack.

The Scarlet-Black drew 0-0 at home against Atlético Mineiro and climbed to fourth place, although with the same points as Internacional. Qualification for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores is guaranteed after winning the Copa do Brasil, but the Cariocas want to finish the Brasileirão as high as possible. Third-placed Fortaleza is four points above, so Flamengo will not want to waste points against penultimate-placed Cuiabá.

Cuiabá has not scored a goal in five games and will face one of the best teams in the league. Flamengo is the clear favorite, but can't underestimate its opponent, who will probably be playing in the Série B next year. Last season, Flamengo lost 3-0 at the Arena Pantanal, and the Matogrossenses will be keen to repeat the win to stay alive in the Brasileirão. Flamengo has improved since Filipe Luís replaced Tite at the helm, so I expect a competitive team until the end of the competition, although the title is impossible. I'm backing Flamengo to win.