The central match of the first round of the Brazilian A-Series will undoubtedly be the confrontation between Flamengo and Palmeiras. The strongest teams of the continent in the last two seasons, the reigning winner of the A-Series and the winner of the Libertadores Cup will meet. The bookmakers are on the side of the «red-blacks», and we have to agree with the choice of the know-it-all.
Flamengo: Saved their strength for the Greens
Last midweek, Flamengo played the game of the sixth round of the Libertadores Cup against Velez Sarsfield. In that game, the Red and Black were quite happy with a draw, and the score was 0-0. Five days before the match against the Argentinians, Fla played the return match of the state finals of Carioca against Fluminense at the Maracana, the Red-Blacks won the derby and once again became the strongest club in the state. Flamengo had a successful start of the season: the team from Rio won the state championship and made it to the playoffs of the Libertadores Cup from first place in the group. All in all, everything is great for the champion.
Palmeiras: with 6-0, but without the state title
If Flamengo beat Fluminense in the state championship confidently, through a -1.5 head start, then Palmeiras also confidently, the Paulista state final lost to Sao Paulo 0-2. By the way, the Greens can't win in the derby against the Tricolores for six consecutive matches, since the game at Palmeiras' field in October 2019. And in the Libertadores Cup, Palmeiras is also doing well, first place in Group A, five wins in six games with one loss to Argentina's Defensa y Justicia, winner of the South American Cup and Recopa. Incidentally, Flamengo is an even more uncomfortable opponent for Palmeiras than Sao Paulo. The Greens have not been able to beat the Red and Black since November 2017.
Expert Betting Tips
The last time the two sides met was a month and a half ago, in the Brazilian Super Cup. Then Flamengo defeated Palmeiras in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. By the way, the game took place on a neutral field in Brasilia. At the Maracana, the Red and Black beat the Greens twice in a row in A-Series. We wouldn't be surprised if this trend continues. As for the totals, we hope that the upcoming, as well as the Brazilian Super Cup game, will be productive. Here are the following bets: Flamengo To Win for 4.75, TU 2.5 for 1.95, Draw for 3.82.