Goiás vs Flamengo Prediction: Flamengo must focus on this game

Flamengo has this trip to Goiânia between the two Copa do Brasil final games, and it won't be easy to forget the decisive match with São Paulo. Sampaoli's side lost the first leg 1-0 at the Maracanã and will be fighting for the trophy at the Morumbi on September 24, a few days after the Goiás match. If the Cariocas can't focus on this Série A tie, they'll have serious difficulties, as the Esmeraldino is not an easy team.

The Alviverde almost extended its unbeaten run against Palmeiras at the Allianz Parque. The team managed to hold on to a 0-0 draw almost until the end, even with ten players—Breno Lopes' goal in the 96th minute ended Goiás' resistance. Armando Evangelista's side is 16th, one place above the Z4, so any point against Flamengo is welcome. In the last five home fixtures, Goiás has won one and drawn four, which shows some difficulties at the Serrinha.

The Mengão is the team with the most points won away from home and is perfectly capable of consolidating that status. Without wishing to underestimate Goiás, Flamengo's major problem for winning this game is the Copa do Brasil final, as Sampaoli is likely to rest some of his best players for the decisive match at the Morumbi. After beating Botafogo sensationally away from home, Flamengo failed to take advantage of another defeat by the leader, losing 3-0 at home to Athletico-PR in a match played in Cariacica. The Vulture remains in 4th place, twelve points off the top.

It's not easy to bet on this match, as Flamengo, the better side, has a final to play a few days later. Can the Cariocas focus 100% on this league match? On the other hand, the home team, Goiás, despite its delicate position in the table, promises to make life hard for Flamengo as it has done to all opponents lately. I think a draw is a likely result, but I'm going for a Double Chance in favor of Goiás in case of a surprise. I'll also add Total Goals under 4.5 to up the odds.