Flamengo vs Vasco da Gama Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 21 September 2025

We’re set for an electrifying clash between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama at the iconic Estadio do Maracana. Flamengo, Serie A’s top team, are formidable at home, unbeaten in 16 consecutive matches. With 50 points, they’re eyeing the title but face competition from the likes of Cruzeiro and Palmeiras.

Currently topping the scoring charts, Flamengo boasts a strong offensive lineup led by Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Pedro. Vasco, sitting 15th, have struggled defensively, conceding 1.4 goals per match. However, Pablo Vegetti’s presence upfront means they are never to be underestimated.

Given Flamengo’s home dominance and Vasco’s recent defensive issues, the recommended bet is Vasco da Gama +1.5 Asian Handicap. This match is not just about the points but also the pride and history between these fierce rivals. Expect a thrilling game with Flamengo likely asserting their dominance early on.

Flamengo vs Vasco da Gama Prediction & Betting Tip

• Consistency in Results: Vasco can lose by one goal or draw, and your bet still wins, making it a safer option.
• Defensive Approach: Despite Flamengo’s home dominance, Vasco often manages to stay organized and limit defeat margins.
• Balanced Choice: This line reduces risk against Flamengo’s potent attack, offering a more secure approach against heavy setbacks.

Flamengo vs Vasco da Gama Odds

The upcoming clash between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama sees the bookmakers putting their faith in the home side. Flamengo, sitting comfortably at the top of the table, are strong favorites to secure a win. However, the odds present intriguing options for bettors.

• Flamengo’s Favoritism: With odds of 1.34 for a Flamengo win, bookmakers expect a dominant performance from the home team.
• Value in Draw: A draw stands at 4.85, reflecting the potential competitiveness of the match despite Flamengo’s strong form.
• Underdog Potential: Though Vasco da Gama’s victory is unlikely at 8.66, their past resilience can surprise.

This betting landscape highlights the trust in Flamengo’s consistent results, while offering rewarding odds for those willing to back an upset or a closer contest.

Flamengo Team Analysis

Flamengo Recent Performance

Flamengo’s recent run of form has been nothing short of impressive. In their last five matches, they have secured four wins and one draw, illustrating their dominance and consistency.

Their recent victories include a 2-1 win over Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores and commanding wins in Serie A, such as an 8-0 thrashing of Vitoria. They have also shown resilience with a 1-1 draw against Gremio.

Flamengo has maintained three clean sheets in their last five games, underscoring their defensive solidity. Additionally, they have been prolific upfront, averaging 3.00 goals per match during this period. This attacking prowess is driven by key players such as Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who leads the team with 13 goals.

Overall, Flamengo’s recent performances demonstrate why they are atop the standings, reflecting a balanced team capable of delivering at both ends of the pitch.

Flamengo Key Players

Flamengo boasts a squad filled with talent and experience, making them a formidable force. Giorgian De Arrascaeta stands out as the team’s top scorer with 13 goals. His vision and creativity in the attacking midfield role are crucial for unlocking defenses. Pedro, another key player, has been prolific recently, including a hat-trick against Vitoria, pushing his tally to 10 goals.

In defense, the partnership of Leo Ortiz and Leo Pereira offers stability and resilience, as evidenced by their three clean sheets in the last five matches. Guillermo Varela and Ayrton Lucas provide attacking width from fullback positions.

Flamengo’s expected lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Agustin Rossi
• Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas
• Midfielders: Nicolas De La Cruz, Saul Niguez, Gonzalo Plata, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Samuel Dias Lino
• Forward: Pedro

Key battles to watch include Pedro against Vasco’s centre-backs and De Arrascaeta’s duels with Vasco’s defensive midfielders.

Flamengo Suspensions & Injuries

Flamengo will have to navigate this match with a few key absences. Erick Pulgar is sidelined with a broken foot and is anticipated to return in late September. Alex Sandro is also doubtful due to a calf injury, while Jorginho is grappling with a muscle injury, rendering his return uncertain.

These injuries could impact Flamengo’s depth, particularly in the midfield where Pulgar’s tenacity and Jorginho’s versatility are missed. However, their strong squad depth, featuring players like Nicolas De La Cruz and Saul Niguez, ensures they can manage these absences.

No suspensions have been reported, allowing Filipe Luís to field his strongest available XI against Vasco da Gama.

Flamengo Tactics and Formation

Flamengo will likely stick to their recent formation of 4-2-3-1 under the guidance of Filipe Luís.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Pedro, who has been in scintillating form, including a recent hat-trick.
• Midfield Core: Nicolás De La Cruz, Saul Niguez, and attacking lynchpin Giorgian De Arrascaeta drive the team forward.
• Defensive Strength: With three clean sheets in their last five games, the defensive duo of Leo Ortiz and Leo Pereira will be crucial.

Notable Strategy: Flamengo has a tendency to start strong, often scoring first in 73% of their matches this season. Their effectiveness in exploiting the flanks with full-backs Guillermo Varela and Ayrton Lucas adds an extra dimension to their attack.

This setup ensures a balanced approach, combining offensive flair with defensive solidity, making them a tough opponent for Vasco da Gama.

Vasco da Gama Team Analysis

Vasco da Gama Recent Performance

Vasco da Gama has shown a mixed bag of results in their recent fixtures. Their last five matches included two wins, two draws and one loss. Notably, they managed a thrilling 2-2 draw against Ceara and a narrow 3-2 victory over Sport Recife in Serie A.

Despite not keeping a clean sheet in their last five games, Vasco maintains an average of 2.80 goals scored per match. This highlights their attacking threat, primarily driven by Pablo Vegetti, who has netted 12 goals so far this season. Defensively, however, they have struggled, conceding 1.4 goals on average.

This recent form shows Vasco’s potential to score but also their vulnerability at the back, making their matches often unpredictable and high scoring. Facing top team Flamengo, maintaining this attacking momentum while shoring up their defense will be key.

Vasco da Gama Key Players

Vasco da Gama’s squad features some reliable names who could play crucial roles in their upcoming match against Flamengo. Pablo Vegetti leads the line with 12 goals, making him their top scorer. His ability to find the net consistently will be vital if Vasco aims to challenge Flamengo’s robust defense.

Philippe Coutinho, with his experience and flair, is a key figure in the attacking midfield, offering creativity and vision to unlock Flamengo’s backline. Another notable contributor is Cauan Barros, whose defensive midfield capabilities help balance the team’s dynamics, particularly in breaking up opposition attacks.

Expected lineup for Vasco da Gama:

• Goalkeeper: Leo Jardim
• Defenders: Paulo Henrique, Robert Renan, Lucas Freitas, Jose Luis Rodríguez
• Midfielders: Hugo Moura, Cauan Barros, Philippe Coutinho, Rayan Vitor, Nuno Moreira
• Forward: Pablo Vegetti

Key battles to watch include Vegetti against Flamengo’s centre-backs, and Coutinho’s duels with Flamengo’s midfield maestros.

Vasco da Gama Suspensions & Injuries

Vasco da Gama will head into this match with a few notable injuries. Adson is out with a broken leg and will only return in late October. Thiago Mendes, Jair, and Lucas Piton are also sidelined, with the latter two expected back within 1-2 weeks. Tchê Tchê is nursing a thigh injury and is also expected to return in about 1-2 weeks.

These injuries, particularly in midfield, could limit Vasco’s ability to maintain defensive solidity and midfield control against Flamengo. The absence of experienced players like Mendes and Jair could be felt during key moments of the match.

Fortunately, there are no suspensions, so Fernando Diniz can still field a competitive lineup to potentially turn the tide against the league leaders.

Vasco da Gama Tactics and Formation

Vasco da Gama will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation under Fernando Diniz’s management. This tactic aims to provide a balance between a solid defensive setup and a threatening attack.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Pablo Vegetti, the main goal-scoring threat with 12 goals this season.
• Midfield Core: A blend of experience and youth with Hugo Moura and Cauan Barros holding the midfield, while Philippe Coutinho adds the creative spark.
• Defensive Considerations: The backline, including Robert Renan and Lucas Freitas, will have to be at their best to contain Flamengo’s potent attack.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on quick counter-attacks and exploiting spaces left by Flamengo’s attacking full-backs.

Despite their injuries, Vasco’s tactics will revolve around maintaining defensive discipline while looking to exploit any counter-attacking opportunities against Flamengo’s advanced setup.

Flamengo vs Vasco da Gama Head-to-Head Statistics

The recent encounters between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama have shown a competitive edge with Flamengo having the upper hand. Over the last five meetings:

• 19 April 2025: Vasco da Gama 0-0 Flamengo (Serie A)
• 08 March 2025: Flamengo 2-1 Vasco da Gama (Carioca Taca Guanabara Playoff)
• 01 March 2025: Vasco da Gama 0-1 Flamengo (Carioca Taca Guanabara Playoff)
• 16 February 2025: Flamengo 2-0 Vasco da Gama (Carioca Taca Guanabara)
• 15 September 2024: Flamengo 1-1 Vasco da Gama (Serie A)

From these results, it is evident that Flamengo has come out on top more often, with three wins and two draws. This reflects their dominance, especially in home matches. Vasco’s defense will need to improve to handle Flamengo, who have a strong recent record against them.

Odds accurate as of 19/09/2025 21:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.