Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

With the Euros and Copa America coming to an end, we’re back with more Brasileirão action this weekend. Our South American expert Nathan Joyes provides his Flamengo vs Criciuma prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Flamengo fell to a disappointing defeat last weekend against Fortaleza, but Tite has his chance of redemption against newly promoted Criciuma. The visitors began the season better than most expected, but with just one win from their last five, they are continuing to fall further down the table.

• Flamengo vs Criciuma Tip 1: Flamengo and over 2.5 goal
• Flamengo vs Criciuma Tip 2: BTTS Yes
• Flamengo vs Criciuma Tip 3: Pedro to score anytime

Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction 1: Hosts to bounce back

Brazil, Brasileirão, Saturday, July 11th, 20:00 (UK)

Flamengo are continuing to battle hard for the Brasileirão title but a defeat against Fortaleza has seen both Botafogo and Palmeiras go two points clear. However, the hosts welcomed plenty of players back from Copa America over the last week, and all will be expected to have a part to play this weekend.

How Nicolas de la Cruz and de Arrascaeta have been missed from the heart of midfield, with Flamengo having lost two of their last five matches. The Uruguayan pair are two of the best midfielders in the league and Tite will be delighted to see them return to the squad.

The visitors were unable to hold on against Fla’s arch-rivals Fluminense last time out, making it just one win in their last five matches. Having lost four of their last five on the road, averaging two goals conceded per defeat, a trip to the Maracana should also prove too tough for the newly promoted side.

Their sole win out of those five came against Atletico GO, another side that was promoted last season. There’s a huge gulf in class, and if Flamengo want to win the league this campaign, they must impress with three points and goals against Criciuma.

• Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction 1: Flamengo and over 2.5 goals
• Best Odds: 2.05
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction 2: Chances for both sides

Surprisingly, Flamengo have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last ten matches across all competitions. That came against Fluminense, who were the worst in-form side in the league at the moment in time, and their manager has since departed. Drawing at home to Cuiaba, as well as losing to Fortaleza, offers Criciuma hope of getting on the scoresheet.

Yes, Flamengo welcome back attacking players capable of securing the win, but Tite’s stubbornness to play 37-year-old David Luiz continues to hold them back.

Criciuma, although new to the league, may have lost four of their six away matches, but they’ve only failed to score in one of those. That came in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bahia, who are fourth and have massively improved this campaign.

Yannick Bolasie still possesses plenty of pace, and he’ll look to target Luiz and use his power and strength to barge past him. Criciuma haven’t been scared of anyone, and although they might not have the quality to win the match, they can certainly make life difficult for the hosts.

• Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction 2: BTTS Yes
• Best Odds: 2.0
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction 3: Lethal no.9 worth backing

For those of you who consistently read my work, you’ll know that backing Pedro when Flamengo are playing at the Maracana has become quite the staple bet for me. 

However, having scored eight goals this season, leading the race for the golden boot, it makes perfect sense to continue profiting from his form.

The 27-year-old will have been bitterly disappointed Dorival Junior didn’t take him to Copa America, but while Brazil continue to struggle for a striker, Pedro continues to do what he does best: score.

Since those who were called up went on international duty to compete in the tournament, Pedro has scored five goals in six matches – only failing to score when featuring for 28 minutes on the road against Atletico Mineiro.

Flamengo have their reinforcements back, and with the likes of de Arrascaeta and Nicolas de la Cruz likely to be involved, Pedro will get numerous opportunities to add a ninth goal to his impressive tally.

• Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction 3: Pedro to score anytime
• Best Odds: 2.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Flamengo vs Criciuma Prediction odds via bet365 as at 16:00, July 10th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Flamengo vs Criciuma Possible Lineups: Bolasie to lead the line for visitors

Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Vina, Luiz, Bruno, Wesley, Pulgar, Allan, Gerson, Araujo, Pedro, de Arrascaeta

Criciuma possible starting lineup:
  Gustavo; Hermes, Angel, Rodrigo, Claudinho, Matheusinho, Newton, Barreto, Bolasie, Arthur Calke

Match Stats: Goals attached to fixture

• Three of the last five head to head matches have seen both teams to score, while the other two produced two and three goals.
• Flamengo have only kept one clean sheet in their last ten matches across all competitions.
• Criciuma have only failed to score in one of their six matches on the road, as well as scoring four against Vasco.

Flamengo Fixtures

• Vs Vitoria (A)
• Vs Atletico GO (H)
• Vs Sao Paulo (A)
• Vs Palmeiras (H)
• Vs Bolivar (H)

Criciuma Fixtures

• Vs Fortaleza (H)
• Vs Juventude (A)
• Vs Atletico MG (H)
• Vs Fortaleza (A)
• Vs Vasco (H)

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