South American Early Bird Acca Tips: Tight tussles anticipated across Serie A

At the wrong end of the table, Vasco, Santos, and America MG are all desperately trying to keep their heads above water, and all feature in this week’s South American Early Bird Acca Tips.

Fluminense and Gremio continue their pursuit of Botafogo at the top of the Serie A table; every point is vitally important as we reach the halfway stage.

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• Early Bird Fluminense vs America MG: Fluminense and under 4.5 goals
• Early Bird Vasco vs Atletico MG: Atletico MG double chance and under 3.5 goals
• Early Bird Santos vs Gremio: Gremio Draw No Bet

Acca odds: 5.15

Odds via bet365 as at 12:00, 15th August 2023. Odds may now differ.

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Fluminense vs America MG: Three points for Flu with Diniz ball in full flow

Brazil, Serie A, Saturday 19th August, 22:30 (UK)

After Fluminense secured a quarter-final spot in this year’s Libertadores, Diniz and his side were brought back to earth at the weekend. A 2-1 loss to Gremio realistically ended their title hopes, however slim they already were.

However, back at the Maracana, Fluminense has the second-best record in the division. Having collected 24 points from 10 matches, Flu have gone about their business in front of their own fans. And with only conceding five goals at the Maracana, it’s safe to say not many enjoy their trips to Rio.

Despite America MG collecting a valuable point in the Maracana against Flamengo last month, their away record has been abysmal. Three points from nine matches, as well as shipping 22 goals – it’s something which needs to be addressed if they are to avoid relegation.

Flu, on the other hand, are 21 games unbeaten at home. Yet only three of their 16 matches have seen over four goals. Two of those came in state cup matches before the season kicked off – the other was their triumphant 5-1 victory over River Plate’s ten men in the Libertadores.

Although Diniz Ball is all about free-flowing football, he knows how to set up defensively. Steady victories over Santos, Internacional and Bahia indicate Diniz doesn’t blow away lower-ranked teams but knows how to get the job done.

Flu are odds-on, and rightly so, but adding under 4.5 goals to the selection creates an inviting 1.75 pick to kickstart the acca.

• Selection: Fluminense to win and under 4.5 goals
• Best Odds: 1.75
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Fluminense vs America MG Tips

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Vasco vs Atletico MG: Scolari to settle the ship on their travels

Brazil, Serie A, Sunday 20th August, 15:00 (UK)

Vasco shocked everyone with a 1-0 victory over Gremio last weekend. That ended a five-match losing streak, and since then, they’ve managed to sign Dimitri Payet on a free transfer. It may appear as though the club has started to turn a corner, but they have a long way to go to save their season.

Their narrow 1-0 win over Cuiaba was meant to be a turning point last month, but five defeats followed. With just 13 goals from 17 matches, scoring has been a real issue for the newly promoted side.

It doesn’t help that Atletico MG arrive in good form, either. Having beaten Sao Paulo 2-0 in their own backyard, a 1-0 home victory over Bahia has started to build some momentum.

Sandwiched in between was a 0-0 draw in the Copa Libertadores against Palmeiras. Although this meant they were knocked out, Scolari’s side showed their togetherness and defensive qualities – something which was lacking at the start of the season.

With three clean sheets in a row and with Paulinho and Hulk’s relationship continuing to blossom, Atletico has started to turn a corner.

Before these three matches, Scolari had gone ten games without a victory, but slowly and surely, his squad bought into his tactics. It was only a matter of time before the former Brazilian coach was able to get his team playing the way he wanted.

A trip to Vasco looks well-timed and presents an opportunity to add more points to their tally.

• Selection: Atletico MG double chance and under 3.5 goals
• Best Odds: 1.65
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Vasco vs Atletico MG Tips

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Santos vs Gremio: Suarez to secure vital points against toothless Santos

Brazil, Serie A, Sunday 20th August, 20:00 (UK)

Santos were hammered 4-0 away to Fortaleza and are in real danger of relegation to Serie B. It’s now five matches without a win and just one in 18 matches. Worrying, to say the least.

If we look for positives, their recent home form looks promising on the surface. An important victory over relegation rivals Goias and draws against Botafogo and Athletico PR could prove to be their weight in gold come the end of the campaign.

However, Santos was unable to protect a 2-0 lead against Botafogo with less than ten minutes left on the clock. They also relied on a penalty due to a handball deep into added time against Athletico PR to bail them out.

The main angle for this bet is that Marcos Leonardo, who scored all three goals in those matches against Botafogo and Athletico PR, is refusing to play. The club rejected a bid from Roma, and since Leonardo has gone on strike, he has grown angry that he’s not been allowed his chance in Europe.

Without Leonardo, and with Deivid Washington on his way out, Santos lacks any kind of striker who can find the back of the net.

Gremio put their disappointing defeat away to Vasco behind them with a 2-1 victory over Fluminense at the weekend. Gremio still has an outside chance of winning the title, and points on the road are a must.

Bitelo, linked with Arsenal, was back amongst the goals against Fluminense. Luis Suarez was sharp all game and was the man who assisted his Brazilian teammate.
Although Gremio’s away record isn’t anything to shout about, Santos’ lack of attack is why the Draw No Bet opening price at 1.85 has certainly caught the eye.

• Selection: Gremio Draw No Bet
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Santos vs Gremio Tips

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