Athletico Paranaense - Flamengo predictions and free betting tips [16/06/2024]

On Sunday, 16 June, as part of the 9th round of the Brazilian Serie A, "Atletico Paranaense" will host "Flamengo" at their home ground. The visitors have amassed 17 points and sit at the top of the table, leading by one point over the fourth-placed hosts. We are in for a thrilling encounter!

Atletico Paranaense

Atletico Paranaense climbed back into the top four after defeating "Criciúma" (3:1) midweek, and the hosts have an excellent opportunity to claim the top spot if they beat Flamengo tonight. In the first half, goals were exchanged by Gustavo Barreto and Gonzalo Mastriani, with the Uruguayan forward adding a brace in the second half, and Cuello also finding the net. However, the red-blacks previously faced defeats in the league to Fortaleza (1:0) and twice in the Copa Sudamericana – against Paraguayan Ameliano (0:1) and Uruguayan Danubio (1:2), costing them the top spot in their group. Now they are set for a duel in the round of 16 of the tournament. It is important to note that coach Cuca's side boasts the best defence in the top five, having conceded only five goals in the first eight rounds.

Atletico fans will also be pleased by the fact that their favourites have kept seven (!) clean sheets in their previous 10 home matches in all competitions. The hosts will be without midfielder Canobbio (2 goals), who has been called up to the Uruguay national team for the upcoming Copa America, as well as first-choice goalkeeper Bento (Brazil). Striker Renan Viana, Agustin Canobbio, and Petterson are suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. On the other hand, Mastriani (3 goals in 7 matches) will spearhead the attack along with Pablo (2 goals). Experienced Fernandinho and Erick will ensure stability in the midfield, while Esquivel and Godoy are set to patrol the defensive flanks.

Flamengo

Flamengo, with seven national titles under their belt (the latest in 2020), hopes to challenge for the trophy this campaign, although there's still a long way to go. Nonetheless, the red-blacks have been in excellent form in recent weeks, securing a win over Grêmio (2:1) last week. In the first half, Luis Araujo scored a goal, and the Brazilian forward completed his brace in the 67th minute. Prior to this, Flamengo achieved six consecutive victories in all competitions, including two triumphs in the Copa Libertadores against "Millonarios" (3:0) and "Bolivar" (4:0), which saw the team finish 2nd in their group, advancing to the tournament's play-offs. Flamengo tops the Serie A table, but only three points separate coach Tite's side from sixth-placed Palmeiras, making a slip-up tonight unacceptable.

It is significant to highlight that the visitors have collected eight points in four away matches (scoring 9 goals, conceding just 3). Additionally, in their last six matches across all competitions, Flamengo has conceded only two goals. Missing from the squad will be midfielders Arrascaeta, Pulgar, and De La Cruz, as well as defenders Varela and Vina (all on international duty). Injuries rule out Allan (midfielder), Ayrton Lucas (left-back), and winger Everton (1 goal, 2 assists), limiting Tite's squad depth. In attack, we will likely see the dynamic Pedro (3 goals, 3 assists) and Luis Araujo (3 goals), with Gerson and Henrique occupying the flanks.

Head-to-head

The last time these teams met was in September last year, when Atletico defeated Flamengo away with a 0:3 scoreline. However, the previous two head-to-head encounters were in favour of Tite's side.

Prediction for Atletico Paranaense vs Flamengo

The match for the top spot in the table is marred by injuries and international duties for both teams. Atletico Paranaense has been stellar at home in the current national campaign, not dropping a single point, while the visitors are in great form with a series of six consecutive wins. I predict a draw.