Flamengo vs São Paulo Prediction: Cariocas forced to beat Paulistas

This week, Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores was a blow to Sampaoli's team. The trophy holders even scored first through Bruno Henrique but were powerless to prevent Olimpia's comeback 3-1 win. To win the Copa Libertadores again was a declared target for the club that now finds itself limited to domestic competitions. This meeting with São Paulo assumes greater importance for the Cariocas, who must win if they still want to dream of winning the Brasileirão. Unlike their opponents, the Paulistas have qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana, which gives them confidence for this game at the Maracanã. However, São Paulo, in away games, has not yet managed a single victory in the Série A. In 112 official meetings between the two teams, São Paulo has the advantage with 43 wins against 38 for Flamengo.

The Vulture is wounded not only by the elimination from the Copa Libertadores in Paraguay but also by the embarrassing 3-0 defeat in Cuiabá. The last round of the Brasileirão left its mark on the players, who failed to take advantage of Botafogo's draw and lost a point to the leaders with a historic defeat in Mato Grosso do Sul. Criticism of Jorge Sampaoli's work has returned, and the atmosphere in the team will not be the best after the sad episode between the team's physio and Pedro. This game with São Paulo is decisive for Flamengo, who cannot lose any more points if they still want to be champions.

After two negative results at home for the league, the Tricolor managed to beat San Lorenzo 2-0 at the Morumbi and reverse the 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana. São Paulo will face Liga de Quito in the quarterfinals on August 22 and 31. The team has eight highly demanding games this month. After that clash with Flamengo, São Paulo hosts rival Corinthians for a place in the final of the Copa do Brasil, and a few days later, the Paulistas host Botafogo for the championship. Coach Dorival Júnior returns to the Maracanã to try to beat his former club, who unfairly dismissed him after winning the Copa Libertadores. For that to happen, however, São Paulo has to do one thing it hasn't been able to do yet in this Brasileirão; to win away from home.

Flamengo has to react after the last two losses. It's the biggest club in Brazil, and the pressure to win is massive. Both teams will play for a place in the Copa do Brasil final a few days later, but Flamengo got a two goals advantage away from home in the first leg. São Paulo players can focus more on the cup semi-final derby against Corinthians that can give them a title this season. I will bet on a Double Chance for Flamengo with total goals over 1.5.