Flamengo vs Corinthians Prediction: The Cariocas are under massive pressure

The two clubs with the largest fan bases in Brazil will meet at the Maracanã in a match that is always eagerly awaited. The People's Classic is invariably exciting, regardless of the moment Flamengo and Corinthians live in. The Cariocas and Paulistas have experienced more glorious moments than the present, but the desire to win is always there, if only because of their demanding fans. The pressure will be enormous on Tite and his players in the classic.

The 1-0 defeat in Chile against Palestino in the Copa Libertadores further aggravated Flamengo's crisis. The Scarlet-Black changed places with its opponent in the table and now occupies the third position in Group E, outside the qualifying positions. Tite's team unease is making it harder to get good results. In the last six games, it has only won one, in the Copa do Brasil against Amazonas. Flamengo beat the Série B side by 1-0, but it didn't stop the fans from whistling the team. In the Brasileirão, the Mengão is in seventh place with eight points, two behind Athletico Paranaense and Bahia, who lead the race. It's not enough for the Cariocas to beat the Corinthians. They need to put in a performance that can calm down the supporters.

The Timão secured a crucial victory in Paraguay against Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana. The Paulistas won 2-0 with goals from Yuri Alberto and Matheuzinho in the last 15 minutes of the game. Corinthians climbed to second place in the group, overtaking Argentinos Juniors. It was the fourth consecutive match without defeat for António Oliveira's team. The displays haven't been brilliant, but the Paulistas have been effective. With five points from five games, Corinthians go to the Maracanã to face Flamengo in a challenging game. The Cariocas are unsettled but must win. It will be a test of the Timão's strength.

Flamengo isn't playing well, and there's heavy pressure on Tite and his men. The fans won't forgive a bad result, and while that might unsettle the players, it could also motivate them to react positively. Corinthians is a level below Flamengo, and a win at the Maracanã would be surprising. The Timão will hope for a draw, but I'll bet on a Flamengo victory.