Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Brasileirão action continues at the Maracana this weekend and our South American expert Nathan Joyes delivers his Flamengo vs Cruzeiro prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

The favourites to win the league have shown no signs of slowing down despite key absences playing in the 2024 Copa America. Cruzeiro have been in fine form at home, winning all four matches, but it’s an entirely different story on the road.

• Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Tip 1: Flamengo and under 3.5 goals
• Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Tip 2: Pedro to score anytime
• Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Tip 3: Flamengo HT/FT

Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction 1: Hosts to march on

Brazil, Brasileirão, Sunday, June 30th, 22:30 (UK)

Nicolas de la Cruz, de Arrascaeta and Matheus Vina may all be representing Uruguay at Copa America, but Flamengo’s strength in depth has allowed them to continue doing what they do best under Tite: win.

Winning four of their last five matches, Flamengo have gone nine games unbeaten since their shock defeat to Palestino in the Copa Libertadores. However, since then, they’ve won eight of those and have looked a different side since the mini break. A midweek slip up to Juventude will certainly have Tite cracking the whip to get back on track.

A 1-0 win over Fluminense at the Maracana saw Fernando Diniz given the boot, but it also made it six wins in a row at home. Technically, this was an “away match” but they ground share with Flu.

Pedro scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in that match as he continues to chase down the golden boot, while Gerson continues to show why he’s keeping young talent out of the midfield with his strong performances.
Cruzeiro have won all four home matches to date, but have been poor on their travels. A recent 4-1 defeat to Bahia highlighted defence issues they have still yet to solve, as did a 2-0 loss to Sao Paulo.

Flamengo should control the game, but with key absences, the scoreline shouldn’t get out of hand.

• Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction 1: Flamengo and under 3.5 goals
• Best Odds: 2.0
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction 2: Pedro key to their plan

When Flamengo win, more often than not Pedro is on the scoresheet. The prolific goalscorer recently scored six goals in five matches, before a “mini drought” saw him go three games without scoring.

However, as Flamengo’s dedicated penalty taker, he stepped up when it mattered and scored a 87th minute penalty against arch-rivals. Calm and composed from the spot, as well as in and around the area in open play, Pedro is one of the reasons why Flamengo are at the top of the table.

At the Maracana is where Pedro comes alive in front of a crowd which adores him. With three goals from the last five home matches, it is always worth having the Brazilian forward on your side.

It’s always hard to ignore Pedro when he is priced above evens, and against a side which has conceded 10 goals on the road already this campaign, he should get plenty of opportunities to add to his tally.

• Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction 2: Pedro to score anytime
• Best Odds: 2.20
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction 3: Fla to dominate

Despite the absences, Flamengo have a star-studded side which has allowed them to not feel the pinch just yet due to those at Copa America.

The rise of teenage sensation Lorran has started to cement a starting position on the wing at just 17 years old, who has impressed in his first proper season with the senior side.

On the other wing, Tite has the option of experienced striker Bruno Henrique who can cut in and score goals, whereas Luis Araujo has stepped his game up this campaign, who recently scored two against Gremio at the Maracana.
With options available to him, Tite’s side can punish Cruzeiro within the first 45 minutes, who were extremely poor against Bahia, conceding four last time out away from home.

Flamengo have led at half-time and gone on to win four of their five home matches and with Cruzeiro struggling to perform on the road, Tite’s side can once again dominate.

• Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction 3: Flamengo HT/FT
• Best Odds: 2.30
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, June 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Possible Lineups

Flamengo possible starting lineup:

Rossi; Lucas, Luiz, Bruno, Wesley, Ortiz, Lorran, Gerson, Araújo, Henrique, Pedro

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:

Anderson; Marlon, Marcelo, Ze Ivaldo, Furtado, Ramiro, Machado, Lucas Silva, Veron, Robert, Pereira

Match Stats: History favours Rio side

• Flamengo has won four of the last five head-to-head matches.
• Flamengo hasn’t lost at home to Cruzeiro since 2018.
• Flamengo has won four of their last five home matches.

Flamengo Fixtures: Tough travels incoming

• Vs Atlético Mineiro (A)
• Vs Cuiabá (H)
• Vs Vitoria (A)
• Vs Atletico GO (H)
• Vs Sao Paulo (A)

Cruzeiro Fixtures: Winnable home ties

• Vs Criciuma (A)
• Vs Corinthians (H)
• Vs Juventude (H)
• Vs Botafogo (A)
• Vs Fortaleza (H)

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