Flamengo vs Athletico-PR Prediction: After a big win, Flamengo is confident

Victory in the Clássico da Rivalidade against Botafogo has kept Flamengo alive, even if the chances of winning the title are remote. The Vulture is now 12 points behind leader Botafogo, still a considerable distance, but has avoided the scenario of an 18-point gap if it had lost the derby. Flamengo was the first team to win at the Nilton Santos and has gained confidence for the future. This victory might be a key moment in the season if the Cariocas capitalize on it in the short term, especially in the Copa do Brasil final with São Paulo, whose games will take place on 17 and 24 September. With the cup final in mind, Sampaoli may make some changes, but Flamengo has solutions in its squad. The match against Athletico-PR will not be played at the Maracanã, as the pitch is under repairs, but in Cariacica, 500 km from Rio de Janeiro. In theory, the Paranaenses can take advantage of the fact that Flamengo is playing a final a few days later, but in practice, they will have to do so without several important players. Vitor Roque and Fernandinho are suspended, while Arturo Vidal, Canobbio, Esquivel, and Zapelli all have national team matches the day before, so likely they can't play against Flamengo.

The Scarlet Black is in fourth place with 39 points, the same points as Grêmio, but the team of the legendary Luis Suárez has one game in hand. In the Brasileirão, Flamengo has drawn the last three times it has played at home. If it's true that the Cariocas are confident, it's also true that there are a few counterbalancing factors. The recent results at home, as mentioned, the game in a borrowed stadium and the first leg of the Copa do Brasil a few days later could also interfere with the team's performance. However, if the Mengão still wants to be crowned champion, it must win every match.

The Hurricane is in 7th place in the table and hasn't lost in eight games. However, in their last three matches, the Paranaenses couldn't get a better result than a draw. Against Atlético Mineiro, in the last round, Vitor Roque once again saved the team from defeat, just as he had done in the previous game against Fluminense, also at home. If the fact that Athletico played more than an hour with ten players didn't help the team in the game against the Cariocas, Athletico-PR was a letdown in the match against the Mineiros. The team from Curitiba hasn't forgotten the two defeats in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil against Flamengo and will try to leave a different image. However, it won't be easy without so many key players.

I'm betting on a Double Chance favorable to Flamengo with a Total Goals Under 3.5 to increase the odds. Sampaoli will probably rest some players for the Copa do Brasil final, but Athletico-PR has a heavy casualty list. It's hard to bet on the Paranaenses winning without Vitor Roque, Fernandinho, Vidal, and Canobbio.