Sabasports Match Preview
Brazilian Serie A: Santos FC vs Flamengo
Kickoff Time: 2025-07-17 07:00(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/SAM NAVARRO
As a newly promoted team, Santos FC currently sits on the edge of the relegation zone with a record of three wins, two draws, and seven losses. The team is always at risk of falling into the relegation zone. The biggest highlight of Santos is their star player, Neymar Junior, Brazil’s top footballer. Neymar was sent off in a match against Botafogo FR in early June and has been suspended for the game against Fortaleza. So far in 12 official matches, he has scored three goals and provided three assists. Although these numbers may seem modest, they hide a deeper story — he creates 2.1 high-quality chances per 90 minutes, ranking in the top five in the Brazilian league. However, the shadow of injuries has always followed this 33-year-old veteran, and his chronic ankle injury has caused him to miss several games. Without Neymar, Santos is undoubtedly an average team.
After finishing their campaign in the Club World Cup, Flamengo made a strong return to the domestic league with a 2-0 victory. Currently, Flamengo leads the Brazilian league table with eight wins, three draws, and one loss, holding a goal difference advantage over Cruzeiro. Flamengo plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, with high pressing as their main tactical system. They push their full-backs forward aggressively, while the four attackers in front occupy central positions, breaking down opponents’ defenses through wide and central play. Flamengo’s key midfielder, De Arrascaeta, is the team’s absolute core. He is fast, skilled, and has strong offensive organization abilities, posing a great threat in the attacking area. This season, De Arrascaeta has already scored nine goals and provided four assists in the Brazilian league.
Although Santos have the star player Neymar, their overall strength, form, and league position are clearly inferior to Flamengo. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether Neymar will be able to play in this match. Considering all these factors, Flamengo, with its superior strength and form, is undoubtedly more trustworthy.
Santos FC’s Last 5 Games: WWLLW
25-06-13 Fortaleza 2-3 Santos
25-06-02 Santos 0-1 Botafogo
25-05-26 Vitória 0-1 Santos
25-05-23 CRB 0–0 (PEN 5-4) Santos
25-05-19 Corinthians 1-0 Santos
Flamengo’s Last 5 Games: WLDWW
25-07-13 Flamengo 2-0 Sao Paulo
25-06-30 Flamengo 2-4 Bayern Munich
25-06-25 Los Angeles FC 1-1 Flamengo
25-06-21 Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea
25-06-17 Flamengo 2-0 Esperance
Head To Head Record:
23-11-02 Flamengo 1-2 Santos FC
23-06-26 Santos FC 2-3 Flamengo
22-10-26 Flamengo 3-2 Santos FC
22-07-03 Santos FC 1-2 Flamengo
21-12-07 Flamengo 0-1 Santos FC
Prediction: Flamengo to win