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

Internacional will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to 15 matches in all competitions when they play host to Flamengo on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, will be hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat after losing to Fortaleza and Bragantino in their last two outings.

Match preview

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Internacional, who sit in fifth place, are currently three points adrift of top spot after 10 Brasileiro matches.

Saturday's host have lost only one league game this season, while they have drawn six of their opening 10 matches - more than any other side in the top flight.

The latest of those drawn contests took place in midweek as Internacional managed to take a point off Santos after falling behind.

Lucas Braga gave Santos the lead in the 63rd minute before Bruno Mendez hit back eight minutes later to extend Internacional's nine-game unbeaten league run.

After picking up a point on Wednesday, Mano Menezes's side will now be trying to maintain their unbeaten Brasileiro home record.

Flamengo, on the other hand, head into the weekend off the back of consecutive defeats, which resulted in the sacking of Paulo Sousa.

The midweek defeat to Bragantino spelt the end of Sousa's four-month reign, with Flamengo dismissing the former Poland boss on Thursday.

After picking up just 12 points from their 10 league games, the 2019 and 2020 Brasileiro champions decided it was time for a change.

With just one point separating them from the relegation zone, Flamengo look set to head into the weekend with an interim manager despite speculation suggesting that Dorival Junior could return for a third spell as head coach.

The visitors will be looking to improve on their away record after winning just one of their five away league games this season.

Team News

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The hosts are expected to be without the services of Matheus Cadorini and Rodrigo Moledo due to injury issues.

Internacional also have doubts over the availability of Gabriel Boschilia, who is struggling with a knee problem, while Wesley Moraes has missed the last two matches through illness.

Meanwhile, Wanderson could return to the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension, which could result in Pedro Henrique dropping down to the bench.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Aderbar Santos, Matheus Franca and Fabricio Bruno, with the trio sidelined due to injury problems, while Giorgian de Arrascaeta is currently away on international duty.

Flamengo will welcome back Bruno Henrique, David Luiz and Pablo after the trio missed the midweek fixture through suspension, although the latter may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Gabriel Barbosa will pose one of Flamengo's main goal threats, and the 25-year-old will be looking to add to the two league goals that he has scored this season.

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Daniel; Bustos, Mercado, Vitao, Rene; Gabriel, Edenilson; Wanderson, Patrick, De Pena; David

Flamengo possible starting lineup:

Matheuzinho; Caio, Luiz, Lucas; Ribeiro, Maia, Pereira, Henrique; Pedro, Barbosa

We say: Internacional 1-1 Flamengo

Although Flamengo are currently in 14th place, fourth consecutive top two Brasileiro finishes suggests that it is only a matter time before they start moving up the table, and we think the visitors will hold their hosts to a point on Saturday, which would give Internacional their fourth consecutive home league draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.