Three points separate Flamengo and Juventude in the Serie A table going into Sunday’s match at the Estádio Alfredo Jaconi. Flamengo are eighth in the standings with nine points from 12 available.
Juventude, who have played two more matches, are 14th with six points from 18 available.
Flamengo have as many as two games in hand over their rivals in the race for the Serie A title. They will need those two games as they chase a rampant Red Bull Bragantino, who lead Serie A with 14 points from 18 available.
Juventude are on a two-match unbeaten run having won versus Sporting Recife 1-0 and drawing most recently against America MG 1-1. Both Sporting Recife and America MG are below Juventude in the table.
The Papo have done well against the teams around them in the chase for relegation survival.
These teams have not met since the 2007 season due to playing in different divisions. Juventude earned promotion to Serie A at the end of last season and there are no recent trends between these sides.
Flamengo are reigning Serie A champions. They are playing well and favourites to once again lift the title at recent odds of 6/4. Their two games in hand could be the difference between topping Red Bull Bragantino and falling short.
Manager Rogerio Ceni has a team that has lost just three times in 27 matches in all competitions.
Flamengo, like all other Brazilian teams, have been busy this year with state tournaments and continental cups taking place prior to the league season.
Flamengo have just one player on the injury list going into the game. Goalkeeper Cesar is ruled out until early October with an ACL injury. The team are led in goals by Bruno Henrique and Rodrigo Muniz with three apiece in the league.
Juventude Marquinhos Santos has no new injury issues going into the game with Flamengo. He will hope the side can keep winning at home, which they did last time out at the Estádio Alfredo Jaconi. Just one goal has been scored by Juventude at home.
Sunday’s match at the Estádio Alfredo Jaconi is Flamengo’s first away match of the 2021 league season. All four of their previous league games came at home.
This will measure the team’s title capabilities as all of the club’s points have come on their own turf.
Flamengo have outscored opponents 7-4 this term. The reigning champions should be too strong for Juventude and keep a clean sheet.
Expect a Flamengo win as they strengthen their title credentials.
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