Santos host Flamengo in Brazil's Serie A on Thursday night and both sides are playing with great confidence.
League leaders Flamengo have won seven of their last eight Brazilian Serie A games, edging clear of Palmeiras in a compelling title race.
But Santos are also on the charge, claiming 19 points from the last 21 available to them, so a fascinating clash is expected at Vila Belmiro.
Santos v Flamengo Tips Summary
Best Bet - Draw @ 27/10
Alternative Bet - Gabriel Barbosa to score @ 12/5
Bet Builder - Alex Sandro to be booked, under 1.5 first-half goals & Samuel Lino to score or assist @ 10/1
Santos v Flamengo Prediction
Best Bet: Draw @ 27/10
This week's Brazilian Serie A clash between Santos and Flamengo should be a cracker, as both clubs aim to extend five-match winning streaks in the country's top division.
Hosts Santos have done most of their best work away from home, winning their last five league matches on the road.
However, they also beat Cruzeiro 2-1 in their most recent home fixture, scoring twice in the first half, and should be confident of halting Flamengo's title charge.
The leaders are strong favourites to bank another three points but the draw looks an appealing price given Santos's excellent form.
Flamengo's last three wins were all by a one-goal margin and they needed an 89th-minute strike from Bruno Henrique to see off Corinthians at home last month.
Their star-studded squad is packed with experienced players such as midfielders Jorginho and Lucas Paqueta and Brazil international full-backs Danilo and Alex Sandro.
Pedro and Samuel Lino pose a massive attacking threat although classy playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta suffered a fractured wrist on international duty with Uruguay.
His absence is a major blow to the visitors, who can be vulnerable on their travels.
Three of Flamengo's four league defeats this season came away from home and the other one was a comprehensive 3-0 loss to title rivals Palmeiras in May.
Santos have suffered only two defeats in 10 matches since the league season resumed after the World Cup.
Their Copa Sudamericana run ended with a penalty-shootout defeat to Atletico MG in last month's quarter-final tie and they look set for another tight contest against Flamengo.
Alternative Bet: Gabriel Barbosa to score @ 12/5
Gabriel Barbosa scored more than 100 goals in his five years at Flamengo and he is proving equally prolific for Santos this season.
The former Inter Milan striker started his career at Santos and has returned on loan from Cruzeiro.
He has been an inspired signing, scoring 13 goals in 20 league appearances and another four in the Paulista, Sao Paulo's state competition.
The man nicknamed 'Gabigol' looks a good bet to score against his former club.
Barbosa comes into Thursday's game in sparkling form, having found the net six times in his last five outings in all competitions.
Santos v Flamengo Bet Builder Tip
Alex Sandro to be booked
Under 1.5 first-half goals
Samuel Lino to score or assist
Pays 10/1
Veteran Flamengo left-back Alex Sandro was booked against Bragantino in his first start since returning from a calf injury.
That was his fifth caution in 18 Serie A appearances this season and he may well add to his card tally against Santos.
Flamengo's 28 league fixtures this season have produced only 30 goals before half-time so under 1.5 first-half goals looks a solid selection.
Lino scored twice in Brazil's 4-0 friendly win over India and he has racked up nine goals and seven assists for Flamengo in Serie A this term.
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Key Match Stats
Both Santos and Flamengo have won their last five league matches
Santos have taken one point from five matches against the top four in Serie A
Santos won their last three Serie A games by a 2-1 scoreline
Only one of Flamengo's last 10 league matches produced over 3.5 goals
Flamengo have conceded one first-half goal in their last 12 Serie A games
Flamengo top scorer Pedro has notched only once in his last six appearances
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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.
