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

Last season's runners-up could drop into the relegation zone this weekend, in what has been a very underwhelming start to the campaign.

Match preview

Only six matches in and the pressure is already big on Flamengo, who have won just one league game so far.

That came in the second round of the season in a 3-1 victory over Sao Paulo, but since then have been poor results against Palmeiras, Athletico PR and Botafogo, with a draw against Ceara in their last fixture.

This has left them already seven points off Corinthians at the top of the league, in a season where Flamengo were supposed to be challenging.

Instead, they are currently 16th in the table, level on points with Juventude, who play Palmeiras on Saturday, in the relegation zone.

At this point in the season last year, Flamengo were five points better off than they are now, so they need to turn it around quickly.

This weekend, they will play newly-promoted Goias, who are currently on a three-match unbeaten run leaving them 13th in the table, level on points with Fluminense who occupy the final Copa Sudamericana spot.

Goias were last in the top flight two seasons ago and after an instant promotion, they started their campaign with two defeats and a draw.

However, what followed was an additional draw but two victories, thus changing their outlook on the season so far, although a loss on Saturday would still put them below Flamengo.

They have not beaten the Rio de Janeiro-based side since 2010 and lost 3-0 the last time these sides played each other, so Saturday's hosts should be confident of keeping up that record.

Especially because Flamengo may feel like this is a must-win, despite how early it is in the season, considering the start they have made.

Unless they go on a winning streak soon, any hopes of a title-winning campaign may be over for Paulo Sousa and his players.

Flamengo Brasileiro form:

Flamengo form (all competitions):

Goias Brasileiro form:

Goias form (all competitions):

Team News

Flamengo's season has not been helped by their extensive injury list with various key players unavailable for selection.

Filipe Luis (calf), Fabricio Bruno (foot), Gustavo Henrique (muscle) and Vitinho (muscle) all continue their spells on the sidelines.

However, it does not stop there with Santos out injured, while it is touch-and-go for his goalkeeping counterpart Diego Alves, who is fighting his way back into contention following a pubic injury.

Saturday's match might come too soon for him though, considering that earlier this week he still had not trained, so Hugo Souza should retain his spot in goal.

Goias, meanwhile, will be without Vinicius who has a hamstring injury, as well as Henrique Lordelo who was sent off in the last fixture.

Nonetheless, it is expected they will continue with the 5-4-1 set-up, with Pedro Raul leading the forward line.

Flamengo possible starting lineup:

Souza; Matheuzinho, Caio, Pablo, Ayrton; Arao, Pereira; Ribeiro, De Arrascaeta, Pedro; Gabriel

Goias possible starting lineup:

Tadeu; Maguinho, Sidimar, Moraes, Caetano, Danilo; Apodi, Auremir, Elvis, Dada; Raul

We say: Flamengo 2-0 Goias

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