Flamengo vs São Paulo Prediction: Flamengo seeks to maintain first spot

Flamengo vs São Paulo: Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on July 12, 2025

The Brasileirão is back after a break of one month, and one of the standout matches of Round 13 features Flamengo taking on São Paulo at the Maracanã. Flamengo participated in the FIFA Club World Cup and ended up eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. Flamengo and Cruzeiro lead the league with 24 points, but the Cariocas have one game in hand.

Flamengo: Form and statistics

Flamengo fans dreamed of seeing their team become the world champion, but the 4-2 defeat against mighty Bayern showed that, in reality, there is a big difference between the two clubs. Nevertheless, in the first stage, the Mengão beat Chelsea 3-1 to finish top of the group. Jorginho, the former Italian international, joined the Rio club shortly before the tournament and was in the spotlight in the United States. The Santa Catarina-born midfielder moved to Italy at the age of 15 and has spent his entire career in Europe. In 2021, Jorginho came third in the Ballon d'Or behind Messi and Lewandowski after Italy's Euro victory. Jorginho could play a key role at Flamengo as captain Gerson, also a central midfielder, has been transferred to Zenit for €25 million. After four highly demanding international matches, the Cariocas must adjust their mindset and focus on the Brasileirão, a competition they haven't won since 2020.

Flamengo: Lineup

Pulgar broke a metatarsal in his foot and is expected to be out for two months.

🔖Flamengo starting lineup (4-3-3)

Rossi – Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro – Allan, Jorginho, De la Cruz – Luíz Araújo Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique

⛔️Out: Pulgar (injured)

👤Head Coach: Filipe Luís

São Paulo: Form and statistics

After losing at home to Vasco da Gama in the last game before the league break, São Paulo's executive board decided to terminate Luis Zubeldia's contract. Hernán Crespo, who as a player was one of the best strikers in the world, is the new coach. It's a return to the club as the Argentine already led São Paulo in 2021, winning the Campeonato Paulista. São Paulo is in 14th place with 12 points and has lost its last three Série A games. The Tricolor has qualified for the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores and so could still do something relevant this season if the team finds the right track. Crespo has had some time to introduce his tactical system to the players, and so we might see a team with a new identity at the Maracanã.

São Paulo: Lineup

São Paulo still has some key players out injured, and Luciano is suspended after picking up his third yellow card. Hernán Crespo should field a team with three players on the defensive line.

🔖São Paulo starting lineup (3-5-2)

Rafael – Arboleda, Alan Franco, Sabino – Cédric, Alisson, Bobadilla, Marcos Antônio, Enzo Díaz – Oscar, André Silva

⛔️Out: Lucas Moura, Calleri, Luiz Gustavo (injured), Luciano (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Hernán Crespo

Flamengo vs São Paulo: Head-to-head statistics

The two clubs have met 118 times, with the Paulistas coming out on top. São Paulo has won 46 games while Flamengo has won 39. On 33 occasions, the games have ended in a draw. Last season, the Rio side won 2-1 at home.

Flamengo vs São Paulo: Betting tips & Odds

• Flamengo has lost just once in its last 12 games. You can bet on Flamengo not losing (1X) for 1.09 at Betway;
• The BTTS-YES bet has won six times in São Paulo’s last seven matches. You can bet on both teams to score (BTTS-YES) for 2.32 at 1xBet;
• São Paulo has conceded first in six of its last eight matches. You can bet that Flamengo will be the first team to score for 1.30 at Bet365.

Flamengo vs São Paulo match prediction 12 July 2025

Flamengo is the leader of the Brasileirão, and playing at the Maracanã is the clear favorite in this game. The Scarlet-Black participated in the FIFA Club World Cup and got eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. Flamengo defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the group stage, demonstrating the team's quality. São Paulo is having a disappointing campaign and has changed its coach. Hernán Crespo is the Paulistas' new boss, and there's a lot of anticipation for his debut. I'm backing Flamengo to win with a maximum of four goals scored to increase the odds.

Our match prediction: Flamengo to win & TU 4.5 for 1.65 at Betway.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: BTTS-Yes for 2.32 at 1xBet.

Our final betting tip on the match: Correct Score 2-1 for 9.00 at Bet365.