Brazilian Serie A
2008-05-24 - CR Flamengo vs SC Internacional
A Sports Betting Pick by Merlin
BRAZIL SERIE A
Venue: Maracana, Rio de Janeriro, Brazil.
Saturday 24th May @ 10.10pm (UK time).
FLAMENGO
Flamengo are a Rio based team who will be challenging for the Serie A title this year.
First 2 games produced 4 points - They dished a 3-1 hammering to Santos, then went to Gremio, Porto Alegre and secured a good point.
They will be pushing for a top 3 spot - for sure (finished 3rd last year), and are a side to back when playing at home - incidentally, they are one of the best supported clubs in Brazil.
INTERNACIONAL
Sport Club Internacional play out of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (Big South River).
They kicked-off their 2008 campaign with a win at home, beating Vasco, 3-1. They were however, dragged into reality the next twice. First in the Cup against Sport (lost 3-1) prior to going down 2-1 to Palmeiras.
Admittedly, both these games were away - and it's a very likely repeated script in this game.
ANALYSIS
I must admit, when I looked at the head-to-head I was quite shocked to see that Internacional hold a great historic advantage.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
16 games in total
FLAMENGO WINS = 4
INTERNACIONAL WINS = 10
DRAWS = 2
This is clearly a game whereby Internacional has a good record - even when Flamengo are playing at home:
FLAMENGO HOME GAMES = 7
FLAMENGO HOME WINS = 2
INTERNACIONAL AWAY WINS = 3
DRAWS = 2
Of course, we now have to decide which are the most important factors in considering a verdict. Naturally, opinions will differ, and that's what makes football what it is - particularly from a betting point of view.
Betting decisions have to be made, so let's jump into the verdict:
VERDICT
Before delving into a bit of research, I was full on Flamengo - I still do think they may win, but I confess , as I must be honest in writing a preview - my enthusiasm has been tempered, primarily through Internacionals past performace record against Flamengo.
However, I will still weigh-in with the home win , but at the time of writing this preview (Thursday afternoon) there are no bookies odds available.
I would envisage FLAMENGO to be around 1.90 (top-end) and 1.80 (bottom-end). I will take the best price for 7 points.
GOONER EDIT:
Flamengo best price is actually a tasty 2.05!
I will also side-bet the correct score in favour of an away win, probably take 1-2 (best price of course).
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take FLAMENGO to WINSide-bet correct score away win 1-2 (as cover)
