Flamengo vs. Santos FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 9 November 2025

As Flamengo gear up to host Santos FC at the iconic Estadio do Maracana, this Serie A clash is crucial for both sides for different reasons. Flamengo, currently in 2nd place with 65 points, are hot on the heels of league leaders Palmeiras and can’t afford to drop points here. Santos, on the other hand, are fighting for survival in the relegation zone, sitting 17th with 33 points.

Flamengo’s defensive resilience, having kept three clean sheets in their last five games, and Santos’ struggles in attack, zero clean sheets in five, suggest a tight match-up. Notably, Flamengo has conceded just 0.6 goals on average this season. Missing key players like Gonzalo Plata due to suspension might impact Flamengo’s attacking dynamics, but with stars like Giorgian De Arrascaeta, they remain potent.

Santos’ recent 2-0 loss to Palmeiras highlighted their weaknesses, especially without Neymar. Under Vojvoda’s guidance, they’ll need to devise a special strategy to breach Flamengo’s defense.

Expect a cautious game, and our match tip recommends betting on under 2.5 goals.

Flamengo vs Santos FC Prediction & Betting Tip

• Flamengo typically maintains a solid defense, conceding just 0.6 goals on average this season.
• Santos has struggled to find the net, not scoring consistently in their recent matches.
• Historical encounters and current form suggest a cautious approach from both teams.

Given Flamengo’s defensive strength and Santos’ scoring issues, betting on under 2.5 goals seems a prudent choice.

Flamengo vs Santos FC Odds

The bookmakers clearly favor Flamengo in this match, reflecting their strong season and home advantage. With Flamengo sitting in second place and chasing the league leaders Palmeiras, their motivation and form are expected to push them towards victory. Santos, meanwhile, are struggling to stay out of the relegation zone, making them significant underdogs in this encounter.

These odds indicate that Flamengo is the likely winner, but given Santos’ desperation for points, a draw or unexpected win, though less probable, offer higher payouts. Consider these factors before placing your bets.

Flamengo Team Analysis

Flamengo Recent Performance

Flamengo’s recent form has been solid, demonstrating their resilience with three clean sheets in their last five matches. The team has carved out wins against Sport Recife (3-0) and Racing Club (1-0), secured a draw against Sao Paulo (2-2), and suffered a narrow loss to Fortaleza (1-0). This run includes a vital Copa Libertadores victory, underscoring their balanced defense and attack.

Flamengo averages 1.20 goals per game and has conceded just 0.6 goals on average this season, showcasing a sturdy defense. However, they might miss Gonzalo Plata’s flair due to suspension, but Giorgian De Arrascaeta’s form remains pivotal for their attacking thrust. This consistency keeps them well-placed in the title race.

Flamengo Key Players

Flamengo boasts several standout players who could make a difference against Santos FC. Giorgian De Arrascaeta is the team’s top scorer with 17 goals this season and will be crucial in breaking down the opponent’s defense. His creativity and vision make him a constant threat in the attacking third.

With Gonzalo Plata suspended, a shift in the line-up sees Bruno Henrique likely to lead the forward line. Bruno Henrique’s pace and ability to run in behind defenders will be key. In the midfield, Saul Niguez and Erick Pulgar provide a balanced defensive and offensive approach.

Here’s Flamengo’s expected lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Agustin Rossi
• Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Danilo, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro
• Midfielders: Erick Pulgar, Saul Niguez, Jorge Carrascal, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Samuel Dias Lino
• Forward: Bruno Henrique

These key match-ups will be pivotal, particularly how De Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique perform against Santos’ defenders.

Flamengo Suspensions & Injuries

Flamengo enters this match with a few notable absences that could impact their performance. Gonzalo Plata, an influential forward, is suspended due to a red card, which leaves a significant gap in their attacking line-up. His absence may force coach Filipe Luís to rely more on other attackers like Bruno Henrique. Additionally, Flamengo is without Pedro, who is nursing a broken arm and will likely return by late November. Defenders Jorginho and Leo Ortiz are also sidelined with injuries, weakening the backline slightly.

These suspensions and injuries could affect Flamengo’s depth, especially in crucial defensive and offensive moments, requiring the team to adapt and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Flamengo Tactics and Formation

Flamengo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Bruno Henrique
• Attacking Midfielder: Giorgian De Arrascaeta, crucial for creating opportunities
• Midfield Duo: Saul Niguez and Erick Pulgar, balancing defense and attack
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with a focus on possession and quick transitional play

Flamengo’s game plan hinges on a solid backline led by Danilo and Leo Pereira, ensuring defensive stability. The midfield, powered by Pulgar and Niguez, aims to control the tempo and break up opposition play. Meanwhile, De Arrascaeta orchestrates the attack, with Bruno Henrique exploiting spaces left by the opposing defense. The team’s emphasis on cohesive play and strategic pressing during key intervals, such as the 61-75 minute window, makes them formidable at both ends of the pitch. This tactical setup has been effective, particularly at home, where they often dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Santos FC Team Analysis

Santos FC Recent Performance

Santos FC is struggling with form and consistency, reflected in their recent run of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. This sequence, including a notable 2-0 defeat to league leaders Palmeiras, underlines the team’s current woes.

Despite scoring 1.20 goals per game, their lack of clean sheets in the last five matches highlights defensive vulnerabilities. Being in the relegation zone with 33 points, Santos desperately needs to tighten their defense and find scoring consistency if they are to avoid the drop. Their unpredictable form puts them in a daunting position as they face a tough challenge against Flamengo.

Santos FC Key Players

Santos FC will look towards their standout players to make a difference in this challenging fixture against Flamengo. Alvaro Barreal, the team’s top scorer with 8 goals, will be crucial in spearheading the attack and breaking through Flamengo’s sturdy defense. His battle against Flamengo’s centre-backs like Danilo and Leo Pereira will be vital.

In midfield, Ze Rafael and Willian Arao will need to control the tempo and facilitate transitions from defense to attack. Goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, who has been impressive recently despite the team’s struggles, will be essential in keeping Santos in the game with significant saves.

Expected lineup for Santos FC:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Igor Vinicius, Alexis Duarte, Luan Peres, João Souza
• Midfielders: Willian Arao, Ze Rafael, Gabriel Bontempo, Benjamin Rollheiser, Alvaro Barreal
• Forward: Lautaro Diaz

These key players will need to step up and deliver standout performances if Santos are to challenge Flamengo at the Maracanã.

Santos FC Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC is dealing with a few suspensions that could affect their performance against Flamengo. Defender Mayke is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, and midfielder Victor Hugo is also out, although the specifics of his suspension are not detailed.

These absences could weaken Santos’ defense and midfield, putting additional pressure on other players to step up. With Santos already struggling defensively, as seen in their recent performances, these suspensions could exacerbate their vulnerabilities, making it even more challenging to secure a positive result at the Maracanã.

Such forced changes might lead to shifts in their tactical approach, focusing more on defensive solidity to mitigate potential gaps.

Santos FC Tactics and Formation

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Lautaro Diaz
• Attacking Midfielder: Gabriel Bontempo, responsible for linking play and creating chances
• Midfield Duo: Willian Arao and Ze Rafael, tasked with shielding the defense and initiating counter-attacks
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play

Given their precarious position in the relegation zone, Santos FC under Juan Pablo Vojvoda will likely adopt a cautious approach. The aim will be to frustrate Flamengo by maintaining a solid defensive shape, absorbing pressure, and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. Without key defensive players like Mayke, their ability to stay compact will be critical. Santos will rely on the pace and creativity of Alvaro Barreal and Gabriel Bontempo to exploit any spaces left by Flamengo’s attacking movements.

Flamengo vs Santos FC Head-to-Head Statistics

When it comes to head-to-head fixtures between Flamengo and Santos FC, the last five encounters have been highly competitive.

Flamengo holds a slight edge, winning three of these clashes while Santos secured two victories. Notably, these matches have often been close affairs, with Flamengo scoring first in the majority of them.

This historical context sets the stage for another intense showdown, with Flamengo eager to leverage their recent form and home advantage, while Santos aims to defy the odds and climb out of the relegation zone.

Odds accurate as of 11.07.2025 21:30, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.