Brasileirao 2023, eyes on the derby between São Paulo and Palmeiras. But Flamengo also takes the field: news and predictions.
There is no doubt that the highlight match of the ninth day of the Brasileirao 2023 is the fiercely contested derby between São Paulo and Palmeiras, which, as every time, prepares to give their respective fans strong emotions. The Choque Rei – as the São Paulo derby is known – pits two healthy teams against each other, despite being separated by four points in the standings at the moment.
Ahead of them is Verdao, the only team that has so far been able to keep up with the unleashed Botafogo, who have started with a bang, collecting seven wins and two losses. Palmeiras, on the other hand, is still undefeated, but cannot look down their nose at everyone, as they have racked up nine draws in nine matches. After losing to Fortaleza in the Copa do Brasil, the team coached by Abel Ferreira racked up two successes in a row: first a 3-1 win at Coritiba and then, this week, a very important victory against Barcelona in Guayaquil in the Copa Libertadores, despite a two-goal deficit. It will not be easy, however, to take away the three points from the fiery Morumbi. São Paulo have won all four matches in front of their home crowd, and come into this derby with confidence, having beaten Tolima 5-0 on Thursday in the Copa Sudamericana, a resounding victory that has enabled them to secure top spot.
Brasileirao 2023, Flamengo host Gremio
Late in the evening, Flamengo also take to the pitch: the defending South American champions have not lost in five games and are fifth in the standings, just one point behind their next opponent: Gremio.
The team, which from this year can count on an attacker like Luis Suarez in the attack, has won the last three games and at the Maracana will do everything to have their say. Jorge Sampaoli’s Rossoneri, who beat Racing Argentinians 2-1 in the Libertadores this week, remain favourites in a potentially spectacular match with at least three goals in total. In contrast, the challenge between America Mineiro, an unpredictable team, and Athletico Paranaense is difficult to decipher. The finalists of the last Copa Libertadores are not shining and it is not certain that they will leave the Arena Independencia with the three points in their pockets. Internacional are likely to win against Vasco da Gama, who are unable to put an end to their haemorrhaging of defeats. Goals in sight, finally, in the match between Goias and Fluminense.