Flamengo are on a strong run of form with back-to-back games in Brazil’s Serie A ending in wins. On Sunday, Flamengo host Fortaleza as they try for a third straight victory.
Fortaleza are 20th in the Serie A table ahead of the weekend fixture. The visitors have picked up just two points from eight games this season. Fortaleza are coming off of a Serie A loss at home to Ceara 1-0.
While Fortaleza are coming off of a loss, Flamengo are coming off of a 2-1 derby win over Fluminense. Flamengo are eighth in the Serie A table ahead of Sunday’s match with Fortaleza. Despite being in eighth place, Flamengo are just three points off of first-place Palmeiras.
Flamengo have dominated the last six matches in all competitions versus Fortaleza. The Big Mengo posted a record of 5W-1D-0L against Fortaleza in their last six encounters. Flamengo outscored Fortaleza 10-3 during that time. Last season saw Flamengo win both Serie A matches versus Fortaleza.
Fortaleza lost all three of their matches away from home this season. They have conceded six goals and scored just twice on the road.
Flamengo have posted seven points from 12 points possible this season at home. Their defence has allowed two goals, while the attack has scored four times at home.
The Big Mengo are fifth in Serie A in terms of possession. They have an average of 53.2% possession per game in Serie A.
Despite Fortaleza sitting last in the Serie A table, they are fifth in shots per game in the league. Fortaleza average 14.3 shots per match.
Flamengo are led in goals by Willian Arao and Gabriel Barbosa. The two players have combined for four goals with two apiece. Flamengo’s main goal creator is Giorgian De Arrascaeta with four assists.
Fortaleza have scored Serie A’s fewest goals with just four this season. Yago Pikachu leads the team in scoring with two of those four goals. Fortaleza have conceded Serie A’s third-most goals with 11.
Flamengo’s Rodinei and Barbosa are set to miss the game on Sunday due to suspension. Meanwhile, Dani Alves is unlikely to be available. Fabricio Bruno and Matheus Franca are both ruled out of the game.
Fortaleza’s Felipe is suspended for the fixture. Renato Kayzer is a major doubt to play as is Matheus Vargas.
Flamengo should continue their excellent head-to-head form against Fortaleza and pick up a sixth win from seven tries. The Big Mengo should post a 1-0 win as Fortaleza struggle for goals once more.