Flamengo vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Can Vasco Unsettle Flamengo at Home with their Frontline Attack?

In the upcoming fixture of the Campeonato Carioca Serie A, Semi-final Leg 1, Flamengo will take on Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. After completing the league stages, the final contenders for this year’s title have been narrowed down to just 4 teams. With Fluminnse winning their first leg against Volta, now the attention has shifted towards Flamengo and Vasco da Gama. The last time these two sides played, Vasco da Gama managed a sensational win away from home (0-1). With Flamengo playing at home, the odds are likely to favor the home team for winning.

Going in the matchup, Flamengo is coming off a defeat against Fluminense (1-2) in which Everton managed to start positively and score the only goal for his team in the 19th minute of play. Though Flamengo didn’t end the league round on a high, the upcoming matchup is likely to favor Fluminense. After losing to Independiente, Flamengo has completely derailed from its task, losing back-to-back matches in the competition. With a goal scoring average of 1.15 goals per game against Vasco, the upcoming matchup is likely to produce a tight contest.

Santos; Fabrício Bruno, Rodrigo Caio and Léo Pereira; Varela (Matheuzinho), Gerson, Vidal and Ayrton Lucas; Everton Ribeiro (Pedro), Arrascaeta and Gabi.

Going in the most awaited and well-deserved semi-final, Vasco da Gama is coming off a win against Bangu (2-0), in which Gabriel Pec and Pedro Raul scored goals. With 9 goals scored in the last 5 matches played, Vasco da Gama averages 1.95 goals per game. Secondly, Vasco has scored in 4 of the last 5 matches, which is why they will be fancying their chances for scoring positively against Flamengo. With the likes of Alex Teixeira and Jose Rodriguez supporting Pedro Raul, Vasco can turn into hot favourites after scoring early in the game. Though Vasco’s head-to-head average is just 0.98 goals against Flamengo, the upcoming matchup could result in Vasco’s consecutive win against Flamengo.

Léo Jardim; Puma Rodríguez, Capasso, Léo and Lucas Piton; Rodrigo, Andrey Santos and Jair; Gabriel Pec, Alex Teixeira and Pedro Raul.

Moving forward in the fixture, Flamengo has much to play for and get its overall winning form aligned. With Flamengo playing in Maracana, the home team is expected to have a local crowd coming in. Therefore, I believe winning for Vasco da Gama under intense pressure might be a challenge. As Vasco’s attack has remained consistent and scored in the last four matches, I expect them to score. My final prediction for the upcoming semi-final is either a draw (1-1) or Vasco to win (1-2).