Flamengo vs. Atletico Goianiense – Brazilian Serie A, November 14, 2020

After cruising to the Serie A title last season, Flamengo has struggled for consistently this term. Indeed, the defending champions have conceded four goals in each of their last two league outings.

Following a couple of heavy defeats, Rogerio Ceni’s side has the opportunity to return to winning ways when Atletico Goianiense visits the Maracana on Saturday, November 14.

Keep reading to see my Flamengo vs. Atletico Goianiense prediction and betting pick.

Unsurprisingly, the top online betting sites view Flamengo (1.36) as the obvious home favorite to win this one. The Scarlet & Blacks have not been at their best recently, but Atletico Goianiense (7.25) isn’t expected to cause them too many problems.

What has happened to Flamengo?

Ceni’s men had only lost one of their last 16 Serie A matches before meeting Sao Paulo at the beginning of November. The Gavea outfit was torn apart by Fernando Diniz’s side and suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat. But things were about get worse.

Despite seeing 70% possession and creating countless goalscoring opportunities, Flamengo was thrashed 4-0 by Atletico Mineiro last weekend.

The Scarlet & Blacks are still in a strong position. They are only one point behind league-leader Internacional and remain the second-highest scorers in the division. However, their damaging recent defeats mean that only last-place Goias has a poorer defensive record.

Flamengo scored their way to the title last season, but if Ceni’s men want to replicate last term’s heroics, they must stop conceding so many goals.

The goalkeeper who scored an incredible 1⃣3⃣1⃣ goals in his career ?

Rogerio Ceni has been appointed as the new manager at Flamengo ?⚫️ #Ceni #Flamengo #Brazil

? Find out more: https://t.co/Dszr59V0rp pic.twitter.com/Eqs78PqJLk

— LiveScore (@livescore) November 11, 2020

I don’t think Eduardo Souza will be too displeased with his side’s efforts so far this year. Atletico Goianiense gained promotion from the second tier last season, and the team has managed to pick up enough results to keep clear of the relegation zone, at least for now.

But after clinching impressive back-to-back victories over Bragantino and Santos last month, things have gradually gone downhill.

The Dragon has failed to win any of their previous six games in all competitions, with four defeats coming in that time. Atletico GO is on a four-match winless run in Serie A, and that is a cause for concern.

The Goiania out doesn’t have to worst defensive record in the division, but scoring goals has been a real problem for the team. In fact, only two sides have netted less goals than Atletico GO this year.

It goes without saying that Souza’s men will need to be at their very best in order to avoid defeat against Flamengo.

Earlier in the season, the price for the Flamengo win would have been a lot lower for this matchup. But given the Scarlet & Blacks’ recent dip in form, the odds for the home win aren’t too bad here.

Ceni’s men head into Matchday 21 on the back of two heavy Serie A defeats, but I believe the visit of Atletico Goianiense provides them with the ideal opportunity to get back on track and return to winning ways.