Preview: Corinthians vs. Flamengo - prediction, team news, lineups

Flamengo will go in search of their seventh straight victory in all competitions on Sunday, when they return to league action with a trip to take on Corinthians.

Sunday's visitors have enjoyed a rise up to sixth spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table, while their opponents sit 10th after a mixed start to the season.

Match preview

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After winning the league last season, Flamengo had a relatively disappointing start to the new campaign, winning four and losing four of their first eight games.

That run saw them drop to 12th spot after a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Mineiro in their eighth league game of the season, triggering the dismissal of Rogerio Ceni as manager.

He would be replaced by Renato Gaucho, with the new manager bringing about an instant turnaround from his new side.

Flamengo hosted strugglers Chapecoense in their first game under Gaucho's management, and their opponents took the lead through Pedro Perotti and looked in a strong position to see out the victory, only for Giorgian De Arrascaeta to draw his side level in the 78th minute and Michael to hit the winner four minutes later, sealing three crucial points for the Rubro-Negro.

They would then make it two straight league victories by thrashing Bahia 5-0, with Gabriel Barbosa hitting a hat-trick before Pedro and Vitinho got on the scoresheet to cap off an excellent outing for Gaucho's men.

That victory came between a two-legged Copa Libertadores round-of-16 clash with Defensa y Justicia, and they comfortably progressed to the quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate win.

The winning run was again stretched by a third straight league win most recently, thrashing Sao Paulo 5-1 thanks to a Bruno Henrique hat-trick alongside a Gustavo Henrique finish and an own goal from Welington, before they recorded another dominant victory last time out, comfortably beating ABC 6-0 in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16.

Having won all of his games as manager so far, Gaucho will be desperate for his side to continue their impressive run of form to continue their rise up the Brazilian top flight, as they aim to defend the title that they have won two seasons in a row.

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Their opponents will also look to build on a win last time out, although Corinthians have failed to build a winning run this season.

Sunday's visitors have been largely inconsistent throughout the campaign so far, floating around the table having won four and lost four alongside five draws from their 13 league games.

Their strength has certainly been in defence, with only second-placed Atletico Mineiro, third-placed Fortaleza and Sunday's opponents conceding fewer than the 11 goals that Sylvinho's side have shipped, although Corinthians have played two more league games than Flamengo while only conceding one more goal.

On the contrary, the Timao have failed to consistently find the net, with no side in the top half of the table netting fewer than the 11 goals that they have managed.

Sylvinho's men did record a positive result last time out though, defeating Cuiaba 2-1 thanks to goals from Roni and Adson to see them move up to 10th spot.

The Brazilian manager will certainly feel that his side can build a run and climb the table if they manage to continue their improved attacking form after the recent win, should they remain tight at the back, although Sunday's game will be a huge test for the Timao in their bid to build consistency.

Team News

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Corinthians should be without Raul and Lucas Piton through injury, while Renato Augusto and Giuliano remain unable to play.

Winger Adson should again play an important role in the front line after finding the net in the recent win over Cuiaba.

Gil and Joao Victor have partnered up at the heart of the back four for almost every minute of the league season so far, and their solidity has been a key reason for Corinthians' impressive defensive efforts, while goalkeeper Cassio will also feature again between the sticks.

Flamengo boast an impressive collection of talent, with Gabriel Barbosa expected to lead the line, having hit a hat-trick in just his second league game of the season after going to the Copa America with the Brazilian national team.

He will be supported by the attacking threat of Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who also featured at the tournament, playing an important role for Uruguay.

Gaucho should stick with an unchanged side from the dominant win over Sao Paulo, given their eye-catching performance.

Former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis brings plenty of quality and experience to an accomplished back line, while supporting Bruno Henrique on the left-hand side.

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Fagner, Victor, Gil, Santos; Cantillo, Gabriel; Gustavo, Roni, Adson; Jo

Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Alves; Matheuzinho, G Henrique, Caio, Luis; Arao, Diego; Ribeiro, De Arrascaeta, B Henrique; Barbosa

We say: Corinthians 0-2 Flamengo

While Corinthians do boast one of the best defensive records in the league, Flamengo could be the side to outclass them given their imposing front line and strong run of form.

The defending champions have found their groove under Gaucho, and we expect them to continue their march up the table with another convincing victory on Sunday against a side who have struggled in front of goal.