Flamengo RJ
- Flamengo RJ have won 3 of their last 5 matches in all competitions, including their only home game.
- Flamengo RJ are unbeaten in Group A after a superb 2-0 away win over Cusco FC, and now sit top of the table with 3 points.
- With the seeding and early tournament momentum on the line, both Flamengo RJ and Independiente Medellin have every motivation to push for 3 points this Friday, and this will no doubt lead to an open contest.
- Flamengo RJ are a possession-based side, but Leonardo Jardim has brought a pragmatic edge to the team since he took over, blending the traditional Flamengo DNA with some tactical tweaks that have helped them get off to a flyer.
- A controlled tempo and ability to change shape in the offensive third have suited Flamengo RJ well in the early stages of Jardim’s tenure, and the results have shown that he has made an impact.
- Pedro’s form has been the story of Flamengo RJ’s season so far, and his ability to finish and make space in the final third has seen him score 3 of Flamengo RJ’s last 8 goals.
- Bruno Henrique leads the Flamengo RJ line in Copa Libertadores Group A with 1 goal from 1 match.
Independiente Medellin
- Independiente Medellin have failed to win their last 2 away matches (D1, L1) and sit third in Copa Libertadores Group A.
- Independiente Medellin are no strangers to the Copa Libertadores and Alejandro Restrepo knows the importance of a compact shape, coordinated pressing and making the most of vertical runs to cause problems for opponents.
- Medellin’s best chance of getting a result will come from disrupting Flamengo’s game plan and creating chances in transition.
- Daniel Catano has been a reliable outlet for the Colombian side, providing the vision and creativity to make things happen.
Flamengo RJ
- Pedro’s form has been the story of Flamengo RJ’s season so far, and his ability to finish and make space in the final third has seen him score 3 of Flamengo RJ’s last 8 goals.
- Bruno Henrique leads the Flamengo RJ line in Copa Libertadores Group A with 1 goal from 1 match.
Independiente Medellin
- Daniel Catano has been a reliable outlet for the Colombian side, providing the vision and creativity to make things happen.
- Francisco Chaverra is Medellin’s main goal threat, having scored their only goal so far.
Betting Insights
- Flamengo RJ are priced at 1.24 to win this game and I believe they will get the win on home turf, but the value lies in the goal markets.
- Over 2.5 goals are priced at 1.82, and while that is a fair price, both teams to score at 2.4 is definitely worth a chance.
Prediction
- Flamengo have scored 8 goals in their last 5 competitive games, and with Pedro and Henrique in form, they will score.
- However, Medellín have conceded in their last 3 fixtures and will be unable to stop Flamengo’s attack.
- Medellin have their main goal threat in Francisco Chaverra, and he is currently their biggest threat in Group A, having scored their only goal so far.
- The game should be open and end-to-end, and a home win for Flamengo is expected.
