Flamengo v Fortaleza CE

Flamengo vs Fortaleza Preview

After a slow and disappointing start to this season's Brazilian top flight campaign, Saturday evening's hosts, Flamengo, have certainly clicked into gear and the home side will be seeking to capture a seventh win in nine games when they entertain Fortaleza at their iconic Maracana stadium in this top eight fixture.

Flamengo lost three of their opening four games of this Serie A season following an opening day 3-0 home win against Coritiba, suffering defeats at the hands of Internacional, Botafogo and Athletico PR in quick succession but the hosts have got themselves back on an even keel now.

Indeed, just one further defeat in their subsequent eight league matches underlines the transformation that Flamengo have undergone whilst picking up six wins in the process, three of which have been achieved on home soil with victories gained over Goias 2-0, Corinthians 1-0 and Gremio 3-0, the latter being against the second-placed team in the Serie A table.

The bigger picture shows Flamengo have lost just three of their last 12 matches at the Maracana, picking up seven wins.

Fortaleza occupy eighth place in the Serie A table and the visitors have produced an encouraging campaign so far this season as they find themselves within two points of the top four and possible contention for a Copa Libertadores spot, but there's a long way to go yet before Fortaleza can start dreaming.

Nevertheless, Fortaleza will have been boosted by their recent back-to-back wins against Cruzeiro 1-0 and Atletico Mineiro 2-1 so they will feel they have a decent chance of getting something out of this upcoming trip to face high-flying Flamengo.

However, three wins in their last nine games overall doesn't exactly inspire one to back them in the straight win market here, especially as two of these three wins were collected on home soil at their Estádio Governador Plácido Aderaldo Castelo, while on the road, Fortaleza have won just once in their last five outings.

Incidentally, four of Fortaleza's last five away games have also resulted in Under 2.5 goals and this could have a bearing on the outcome or at least scoreline, in this upcoming clash with Flamengo at the Maracana.

Flamengo v Fortaleza Verdict

Flamengo have been pretty steady at home of late, especially in recent times as the hosts have won three of their last four games, keeping clean sheets in each of these victories as well which should place them in a favourable position to add to their points tally on Saturday evening.

Fortaleza have actually won the previous two meetings on the trot against Flamengo but recent form suggests the momentum is on Flamengo's side this time around.

Therefore, our main bet will be Flamengo win @ 1.66

Other side bets worth considering:

Under 2.5 goals @ 2.00

Correct score: Flamengo 2-0 @ 8.00