Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The 2024 Copa Libertadores fixtures are coming thick and fast, which means South American expert Nathan Joyes is back with his Bolivar vs Flamengo prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Bolivar are back in their home environment and will relish the high altitude in La Paz, whereas Serie A outfit Flamengo enter a tough run of fixtures, where Tite may look to rotate and protect his senior players.

• Bolivar vs Flamengo Tip 1: Bolivar to Win
• Bolivar vs Flamengo Tip 2: Bolivar to Score First
• Bolivar vs Flamengo Tip 3: Francisco Da Costa to Score Anytime

Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction 1: Early Lead

Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Thursday, April 11th, 01:30 (UK)

Last year’s quarter-finalists often rely on their home form in order to progress in this tournament, but after a 4-0 victory away to Palestino, Flavio Robatto’s team are in a stronger position to qualify once more.

A dramatic 3-2 win against Millonarios showed both sides of Bolivar’s game. Ruthless in attack, capable of red cards and pressing the self-destruct button.

However, the Bolivian outfit has enjoyed plenty of success when Brazilians have come to town. Despite losing 1-0 to Internacional in last year’s quarter-final in La Paz, this was their second defeat ever to a Brazilian club at home in their history.

Not many can cope with the 3,500m altitude advantage La Paz offers.

So much so, Palmeiras decided to take a reserve side when they faced Bolivar in round one in the 2023 Libertadores. The hosts won 3-1 – a scoreline they repeated against Athletico Paranaense in the round of 16.

Flamengo, who face Palmeiras and Botafogo either side of this fixture in a ten day period, may well implement the same strategy.

If so, it’s advantage Bolivar and their price will crumble. Flamengo drew with Millonarios 1-1 in round one, but La Paz is an even trickier fixture to tackle.

I’m taking a calculated risk that Tite will rest key players, and hopefully the 2.150 ends up in our favour.

• Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction 1: Bolivar to Win (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.15
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction 2: Hosts to break the deadlock

Bolivar’s blistering start against Millonarios in round two was very much expected – and it worked. Three to the good at half-time shows how Bolivar likes to play in this competition. 

Getting on top of the opposition, pressing high and forcing errors in the conditions makes it extremely tough for visitors to get the ball down and play.

Yet this strategy was also implemented on the road vs Palestino. Bolivar are normally far more reserved on the road, but their all out attack style of play indicates a level of confidence instilled by their new head coach.

Bolivar have scored first in eight of their last ten Libertadores matches in front of their own supporters, and although Flamengo may be the best team in the competition, won’t handle the conditions well.

Expect the hosts to push Tite’s side back, take the game to them and open the scoring.

• Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction 2: Bolivar to Score First
• Best Odds: 1.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction 3: Brazilian to bring down visitors

A Brazilian who is accustomed to the climate can pose a threat to Fla’s potentially makeshift back line.

Francisco Da Costa returned to Bolivar in 2023 after a loan with Colombian outfit Atletico Nacional and has excelled ever since. This season, after a hattrick vs Oriente Petrolero in the league, he followed up with a brace away to Palestino.

The 28-year-old was back on the scoresheet with yet another brace vs Millonarios in round two, and as Bolivar’s designated penalty taker, is at an advantage against weary Flamengo legs as the match progresses.

Yet capable of scoring outside the box, poking home from close range as well as guiding headers home, Da Costa is in fine form domestically with five goals and five assists in nine matches, proving to be their main man in the central striker role.

Da Costa won’t be phased by the Brazilian giants in La Paz, and is one to rise to the occasion when playing for Bolivar in the Libertadores.

Both he and Bruno Savio will be Bolivar’s main threats, and I wouldn’t put you off backing the latter either if he starts.

• Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction 3: Francisco Da Costa to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 3.25
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Bolivar vs Flamengo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:00, April 1st, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Bolivar vs Flamengo Team News and Possible Lineups: Fla to rotate in unfamiliar environment

Tite is back in domestic football and it’s up to the former Brazil head coach to learn how to manage his squad. A trip to Bolivia is always far from ideal, and it’s likely key players such as Nicolas de la Cruz and Pedro will be rested for the trip to La Paz.

Bolivar are unlikely to change their XI which beat Millonarios aside from the right-back area. Yomar Rocha was shown a straight red card and will sit this match out, allowing 19-year-old Luis Paz with the opportunity to start his first Libertadores match of the campaign. 

Bolivar possible starting lineup:
Lampe; Sagredo, Sagredo, Orihuela, Paz, Vaca, Justiniano, Saucedo, Rodriguez, Bruno Savio, Da Costa

Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Lucas, Bruno, Luiz, Varela, Everton, Evertton, Pulgar, Hugo, Henrique, Goncalves

Match Stats: Hosts can scalp another Brazilian

• Bolivar has won both of their Libertadores matches, scoring seven and conceding two.
• Flamengo drew 1-1 away to Millonarios in round one, struggling to cope in sweltering hot conditions
• Bolivar has only ever lost two home matches to Brazilian opposition, stretching back to 1960.

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