Santos
FlamengoBy Femi Lamido — Football expert specializing in Portugal, Brazil, Switzerland & Iceland
Santos have turned their season around in emphatic fashion, stretching their Serie A unbeaten run to seven matches—six of which were victories. Meanwhile, Flamengo sit atop the table with 60 points, holding a three-point cushion over the chasing pack. When these two met in the first half of the campaign, Leonardo Jardim’s side cruised to a 3-1 triumph, but the hosts now resemble a far more dangerous outfit than they did back then.
Since the international break, Santos have carried their momentum forward, grinding out a 2-1 away win against São Paulo. The team now moves the ball with greater assurance and exploits the space between opposition lines much more effectively. At the sharp end of their attack, Barbosa remains the focal point—he has already netted 13 goals in this Serie A campaign. Over the last seven league fixtures, the hosts have won six and drawn one, proving this surge is no mere flash in the pan.
For this clash, Bontempo returns from suspension and is expected to slot straight into the starting eleven, replacing the injured Melo. Neymar, who has been training without restrictions, is also available—though after a month-long layoff, he may begin on the bench. That gives coach Cuca a wealth of options to change the attack as the game unfolds. Playing at home further strengthens Santos' chances of giving the league leaders a real fight.
Flamengo have won four of their last five matches across all competitions and have scored in each of those victories. In the league alone, they have found the net 55 times in 28 rounds. Crucially, most of their core players remained at the club during the break: Jorginho, Pulgar, Paquetá, and the centre-backs all trained normally, preserving the team’s chemistry.
The most notable absence is Arrascaeta. His creative role between the lines could be shared by Paquetá and Carrascal, while Pedro and Lino are back from international duty and ready to feature. Even without their chief playmaker, the league leaders still possess enough quality to carve out chances. That said, travelling to face a resurgent Santos side is a far tougher assignment than the current standings suggest.
Santos (4-2-3-1): Diogenes – Rodinei, Verissimo, Peres, Escobar – Arao, Oliva – Rollheiser, Bontempo, Barreal – Barbosa
Unavailable: Brazao, Lira, Melo (all injured); Soares (contract clause)
Head coach: Cuca
Flamengo (4-2-3-1): Rossi – Danilo, Ortiz, Pereira, Sandro – Pulgar, Jorginho – Carrascal, Paquetá, Lino – Pedro
Unavailable: Arrascaeta, Medeiros, Araujo (all injured); Varela, Valencia (both on international duty)
Head coach: Leonardo Jardim
Main pick: Santos not to lose at odds of 1.95
Flamengo have been the stronger side over the whole season, yet Santos’ current hot streak and home advantage make the price on the hosts look appealing. Cuca’s men have won six of their last seven matches, now boast extra attacking depth, and can maintain a high tempo throughout the 90 minutes. Backing “Santos not to lose” at 1.95 offers value—we estimate the probability at 55% (anything above 1.82 is playable).
Goal-related pick: Both teams to score at odds of 1.70
Santos have scored at least twice in each of their last five outings. Flamengo, meanwhile, possess the most prolific attack in the league. The hosts, in their current form, can certainly trouble the leaders, but keeping Pedro, Lino, and Paquetá quiet for the entire match will be no easy task. Betting on “both teams to score – yes” at 1.70 carries a 65% probability in our view (anything above 1.54 is worth a look).
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Flamengo scoring over 2.5 goals against Santos in this Série A matchup is a strong bet at 2.83. They have the firepower to get it done.
Backing both teams to score in this Série A clash between Santos and Flamengo. The bet sits at 1.59, and I’m taking it — both sides are more than capable of finding the net whenever they decide to push forward.
Santos and Flamengo have the attacking quality to make this work. If they show any real intent, goals on both ends look very likely, so I’m comfortable with this pick.
Santos are hosting the Série A leaders, and I don’t see Flamengo slipping here. The away side are the stronger team and should leave with all three points — I’m backing the win plus both teams to score at 3.25.
Santos hosting Flamengo in Serie A – this matchup has all the makings of a physical battle. I’m taking over 4.5 yellow cards at 1.88, expecting the tension and aggressive play to produce plenty of bookings.
Backing Santos on the double chance in this Série A clash is the right approach. Flamengo are never an easy opponent, but the home side have enough to avoid defeat here. At 2.01, the 1X selection gives solid value, so I’m taking Santos or the draw.
Flamengo’s quality stands out here. I’m taking the away win at 1.75 — the visitors are simply the stronger side in this Série A matchup. No need to overthink it: when the class gap is that clear, you back it and move on.
Flamengo’s quality should be enough to edge Santos 2-1 on the road. I’m taking the 1-2 correct score at 7.90.
This is a classic setup for corners. Flamengo are one of the most aggressive attacking sides in the league, consistently racking up over 6 corners per game in their last five outings by working the flanks and sending in crosses. Santos, playing at home, also leans on wide play, especially with Gabigol linking up with the wingers to create dangerous areas for set pieces.
The referee's style adds to the case—he calls tight fouls in the box, which leads to more aerial duels and corner opportunities. With both defenses staying compact and both teams looking to counter quickly, I'm expecting a busy match in the 9 to 11 corner range. Over 10.5 is the call here.
Flamengo’s quality stands out here. I’m taking the away win at 1.75 — the visitors are simply the stronger side in this Série A matchup. No need to overthink it: when the class gap is that clear, you back it and move on.
Backing Santos on the double chance in this Série A clash is the right approach. Flamengo are never an easy opponent, but the home side have enough to avoid defeat here. At 2.01, the 1X selection gives solid value, so I’m taking Santos or the draw.
Flamengo scoring over 2.5 goals against Santos in this Série A matchup is a strong bet at 2.83. They have the firepower to get it done.
This is a classic setup for corners. Flamengo are one of the most aggressive attacking sides in the league, consistently racking up over 6 corners per game in their last five outings by working the flanks and sending in crosses. Santos, playing at home, also leans on wide play, especially with Gabigol linking up with the wingers to create dangerous areas for set pieces.
The referee's style adds to the case—he calls tight fouls in the box, which leads to more aerial duels and corner opportunities. With both defenses staying compact and both teams looking to counter quickly, I'm expecting a busy match in the 9 to 11 corner range. Over 10.5 is the call here.
Backing both teams to score in this Série A clash between Santos and Flamengo. The bet sits at 1.59, and I’m taking it — both sides are more than capable of finding the net whenever they decide to push forward.
Santos and Flamengo have the attacking quality to make this work. If they show any real intent, goals on both ends look very likely, so I’m comfortable with this pick.
Flamengo’s quality should be enough to edge Santos 2-1 on the road. I’m taking the 1-2 correct score at 7.90.
Santos hosting Flamengo in Serie A – this matchup has all the makings of a physical battle. I’m taking over 4.5 yellow cards at 1.88, expecting the tension and aggressive play to produce plenty of bookings.
The match takes place on 8 October 2026 at 23:30 local time. It is a Serie A fixture hosted at Santos' home stadium.
Flamengo are league leaders with 60 points and have a stronger season record, but Santos are in excellent form with six wins in their last seven matches. The main pick is Santos not to lose at odds of 1.95, suggesting the hosts are considered likely to avoid defeat.
The main pick is 'Santos not to lose' at 1.95. Additionally, 'Both teams to score – yes' at 1.70 is recommended, as both attacks are in good form.
For Santos, Melo is injured and Brazao, Lira, and Soares are unavailable. For Flamengo, Arrascaeta is injured, along with Medeiros and Araujo, while Varela and Valencia are on international duty.
Santos are on a seven-match unbeaten run in Serie A, winning six of those. Flamengo have won four of their last five matches across all competitions and have the league's most prolific attack with 55 goals in 28 rounds.