Flamengo are in the box seat ahead of their decisive Copa Libertadores semi-final second leg against Estudiantes at the Maracana on Thursday.
Home advantage can be a big factor for the reigning champions as they attempt to book their place in their fifth showpiece final in the past eight seasons.
The first leg produced a tense, physical encounter that ended 0-0, with neither side able to turn their chances into a decisive breakthrough.
Estudiantes arguably came closest to scoring in La Plata, where centre-back Santiago Nunez repeatedly threatened from set-pieces.
But Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi stood firm with six saves to preserve parity and ensure the Brazilian giants returned home with the tie still level.
That result suited Flamengo more than their opponents and Leonardo Jardim's side strengthened confidence further at the weekend when they brushed aside Bahia 3-0 in Serie A.
Goals from Jorginho, Gonzalo Plata and Lucas Paqueta kept the defending Libertadores champions at the top of the Brazilian league standings and extended their strong recent run of form.
Estudiantes, meanwhile, rotated heavily for a 2-1 domestic defeat to San Lorenzo as Alexander Medina prioritised Thursday's showdown.
The Argentine outfit will attempt to frustrate Flamengo once again, but the atmosphere and attacking threat at the Maracana could prove much harder to withstand over 90 minutes.
Flamengo v Estudiantes Tips Summary
Best Bet - Flamengo to win by 1 goal @ 13/5
Alternative Bet - Under 1.5 goals @ 9/4
Bet Builder - Flamengo to win, Bruno Henrique to score or assist & Over 7 cards @ 31/4
Flamengo v Estudiantes Prediction
Best Bet: Flamengo to win by 1 goal @ 13/5
Flamengo look well placed to finish the job on home soil.
The Brazilian side approached the first leg with clear objectives: avoid defeat, keep a clean sheet and bring the tie back to Rio level. They executed that game plan effectively despite producing very little in attack.
Now they return to the Maracana, where they have been one of South America's strongest teams throughout the competition.
Flamengo are unbeaten in their last 11 Copa Libertadores matches and have won four of their five home games in this season's tournament.
The reigning champions also arrive with momentum after Sunday's convincing 3-0 victory over Bahia, a result that maintained their position at the summit of Brazil’s Serie A.
Estudiantes deserve enormous credit for reaching the last four and have already demonstrated their ability to win difficult away fixtures, notably against Corinthians in the quarter-finals.
However, they failed to make their home advantage count in the first leg and now face one of the most intimidating atmospheres in South American football.
The visitors are likely to sit deep and attempt to remain compact, but Flamengo's superior quality in attacking areas should eventually tell.
With Bruno Henrique, Lucas Paqueta and Samuel Lino capable of producing moments of brilliance, the hosts look the most likely winners.
But with a tight contest expected and three of the last five meetings being decided by a goal, backing the hosts to win by the smallest margin appeals.
Alternative Bet: Under 1.5 goals @ 9/4
Three of the last five meetings of these clubs have not seen a second goal scored and one strike may be all it takes to send one of these teams into the final.
Flamengo should dominate possession but may have to remain patient against an Estudiantes side that will gladly slow the tempo, defend deep and attempt to create opportunities from set pieces.
The Argentine club have built their run to the semi-finals on organisation and resilience rather than expansive attacking football.
With a place in the Libertadores final on the line, caution is likely to play a major role for both teams.
One goal could easily settle the outcome, making under 1.5 goals an attractive alternative selection.
Flamengo v Estudiantes Bet Builder Tip
Flamengo to win
Bruno Henrique to score or assist
Over 7 cards
Pays 31/4
Flamengo's home record and recent form make them difficult to oppose at the Maracana.
The Brazilian side have already shown they can keep Estudiantes quiet defensively and should create significantly more chances than they managed in Argentina.
Bruno Henrique remains central to Flamengo's attacking hopes and is often the player trusted to deliver on the biggest occasions.
The experienced forward is expected to lead the line once again and will benefit from the creativity of Paqueta, Carrascal and Jorginho behind him.
Combining a Flamengo victory with a Henrique goal contribution looks a logical starting point for a Bet Builder.
Over 7 cards completes the same-game treble, with the added pressure of a decisive semi-final encouraging a fraught contest
There have been 27 yellow cards and one red shown in the last five meetings of the clubs so past history also suggests the referee will be kept busy on Thursday.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Flamengo are unbeaten in their last 11 Copa Libertadores matches
Flamengo have won four of their five home games in this season's tournament
The first leg finished goalless in La Plata
Flamengo are the reigning Copa Libertadores champions
Flamengo defeated Bahia 3-0 at the weekend to remain top of Serie A
Estudiantes rotated heavily ahead of this second leg and lost 2-1 to San Lorenzo
Estudiantes have not beaten Flamengo in their last three meetings
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
