Brazilian Serie A Preview: Flamengo targets top spot with five-match winning streak, while Grêmio faces fitness concerns after four games in 13 days

On June 14 at 7:00 AM, the 2024 Brazilian Serie A matchday 8 sees Flamengo host Grêmio at the Maracanã Stadium.

Both teams are traditional powerhouses in Brazil and also competed in the Copa Libertadores group stage this season. Flamengo is on a remarkable run, having won five consecutive matches across all competitions, while Grêmio has had a decent spell, losing only one of their last five outings. This promises to be an intense encounter.

In their previous league fixture, Flamengo showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 6-1 victory away to Vasco da Gama. All six goals were scored by different players. Flamengo conceded early through Viegas’ opener, but Everton, Pedro, and David Luiz quickly turned the tide to a 3-1 lead. With Vasco’s Victor receiving a red card in the second half, De Arrascaeta, Henrique, and Gabigol added goals, sealing a dominant performance for Flamengo.

Currently, Flamengo trails leaders Botafogo by two points, although Botafogo has played one more game. A win here would propel Flamengo back to the top of the table. Forward Pedro is in fine form, scoring three goals in the first seven league matches and five in five Copa Libertadores appearances, making him the team’s top scorer across all competitions, a key figure under coach Tite.

Grêmio, on the other hand, has had a busy schedule early in June, playing three matches in eight days, including two Copa Libertadores fixtures. After defeating Huachipato and drawing against Unión La Calera, they advanced to the knockout stages as group runners-up. However, their domestic form has suffered, with back-to-back defeats to Bahia and Bragantino, leaving them 13th in the standings with six points from five games.

The physically demanding schedule continues for Grêmio, who will face league leaders Flamengo and Botafogo in the upcoming rounds. Historically, Grêmio has struggled away to Flamengo, winning just once in their last nine visits, with one draw and seven losses. Their only recent positive was a 3-2 home victory over Flamengo last season, which was the most recent encounter between the two sides.

Both clubs have been affected by the Copa América, with several players called up to their respective national teams: Flamengo’s Pucella (Chile), Droguett, Vina, Barreiro, and De Arrascaeta (Uruguay); and Grêmio’s Villalva (Paraguay) and Soteldo (Venezuela). Additionally, Lucas and Leo Pereira of Flamengo, along with Jorginho, André Henrique, Milla, and Robert from Grêmio, are all unavailable due to injuries.

Given their recent form and league positions, Flamengo enters as the favorite, but the impact of the Copa América remains to be seen. What is certain is that both sides, battling for the top spot and looking to end losing streaks respectively, will give their all in this clash.

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