Comments and predictions for Flamengo vs Sao Paulo: Sink the away team

Latest Flamengo vs Sao Paulo team information

Flamengo will continue to be without defensive midfielder Erick Pulgar, who underwent surgery on a fractured fifth metatarsal. With Gerson also leaving the club, coach Filipe Luis has been forced to patch up the midfield by moving Jorginho deeper, in combination with Allan – to ensure the ability to recover and develop the ball.

Flamengo’s attack will be led by Luiz Araujo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, supporting striker Pedro. In defense, the central defender duo Leo Pereira and Leo Ortiz continue to be a solid support in front of goal Agustin Rossi – a key factor in helping the team keep a clean sheet in 5 consecutive home matches.

Sao Paulo’s injury list remains long, with Jonathan Calleri (knee), Lucas Moura, Ruan Tressoldi, Luis Gustavo and Oscar all out. In that situation, the previous interim coach – Zubeldia – had to use a combination of young and experienced players to cope.

Andre Silva is expected to lead the attack, supported by Ferreira and Lucca Marques. The midfield consists of Bobadilla and Pablo Maia, while the defence could be tweaked after recent mistakes. Rafael will remain in goal, while Arboleda and Sabino will form a central defensive partnership.

Latest expected lineup for Flamengo vs Sao Paulo

Flamengo:

Rossi; Varela, Pereira, Bruno, Lucas; Allan, Jorginho; Henrique, De Arrascaeta, Araujo; Pedro

Sao Paulo:

Rafael; Soares, Arboleda, Franco, Diaz; Alisson, Maia; Ferreira, Alves, Marques; Silva

Latest football commentary on Flamengo vs Sao Paulo

After their Club World Cup exit, Flamengo return to domestic competition in a strong position. Filipe Luis’s side are top of Serie A with 24 points from 12 games and have maintained good form in both the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil. However, the coming weeks will be a real test of their squad depth, character and tactical adaptability.

Flamengo have six games to play in a busy month of July, with their squad being depleted by injuries and personnel shortages. The midfield is a particular concern. Erick Pulgar is out for the long term after foot surgery, while Gerson’s departure to Zenit Saint Petersburg has left a huge void in the middle of the park. With Pulgar gone, Flamengo will have to find a stable solution for their fragile midfield.

However, the record at the Maracana is still a solid support. Flamengo is currently on a 10-match unbeaten streak at home in the National Championship, keeping a clean sheet in the last 5 matches. Returning to a familiar sanctuary, combined with a strong attack and a solid defense, Flamengo enters the weekend round with many advantages.

Coach Filipe Luis will continue to rely on the likes of Pedro and Everton Cebolinha to break down a Sao Paulo defence that has been struggling with consistency. Home advantage is not only reflected in results but also in the dominant style of play: Flamengo control the game, press high and take their chances effectively – and this will likely continue to be their winning formula.

A win on Saturday would not only cement their place at the top but also keep them in good form as they look to continue their European ambitions. With the Maracana's fans roaring with excitement, Flamengo are all set to take all three points.

This 13th round has an extra significance as Hernan Crespo returns to lead Sao Paulo, replacing coach Luis Zubeldia who left the team earlier this week. The Argentine strategist – who helped the club win the title in his first term – returns in the context of the team's serious decline. Sao Paulo has only won 2 out of 12 matches (6 draws, 4 losses), ranked 14th in the rankings, scored 10 goals and conceded 14.

The team had a morale-boosting friendly last weekend, when the first team beat the U20s 6-0. New signing Juan Dinenno scored a hat-trick, Alisson scored twice and Marcos Antonio also got on the scoresheet. The coaching staff saw this as a positive sign in the context of the team's many problems with attack and squad depth before a difficult series of matches.

However, the pressure is still on Crespo and his players. After a run of four draws at the start of the season, Sao Paulo's form has declined, with just one win in the last seven games. A shaky defense remains a major weakness, with 14 goals conceded in 12 games – a repeat of the problem that caused them to slump at the end of the 2024 season.

Injuries continue to disrupt the squad. Key players such as Jonathan Calleri, Lucas Moura, Ruan Tressoldi, Luis Gustavo and Oscar are all unavailable. The absence of attacking spearheads has forced Luciano to shoulder the burden of the front line in a solitary situation.

Sao Paulo’s away record is not very bright either, winning only 3 of their last 21 matches in the national championship. However, the trip to Maracana is still an opportunity for them to create a surprise. A positive result against the top team could be an important boost to help the team revive.

Latest Flamengo vs Sao Paulo score prediction

Based on the above football comments, we and the world's leading football sites have given the results of the match.Flamengo vs Sao Pauloas follows:

• Sportsmole:Flamengo 2-0 Sao Paulo

• WhoScore:Flamengo 3-0 Sao Paulo
• Our newspaper predicts:Flamengo 2-0 Sao Paulo

When and where to watch Flamengo vs Sao Paulo live?

To watch the live match between Flamengo vs Sao Paulo in the Brasileiro tournament taking place at 2:30 on July 13, viewers can watch it on online sports channels. Wishing viewers happy moments of watching football.