Santos vs Flamengo Prediction

Santos host Flamengo on 9 October 2026 at 01:30 in Serie A. Flamengo lead the table with 60 points, three clear of second place, but Santos have found form at exactly the right moment. The home side won six of their last seven league matches and drew the other, averaging 1.50 goals for and 1.30 against in that run. Flamengo won the first-round meeting 3-1, yet Santos now sit in their best stretch of the season and have home advantage to level the tie.

Form and H2H

Santos have not lost in seven consecutive Serie A matches. Barboza, their main finisher, has 13 league goals this season. The squad gained confidence after the international break, beating São Paulo 2-1 away and moving the ball with more purpose between the lines. Bontempo returns from injury to replace the sidelined Melo, while Neymar trains without restriction and is available, though may start on the bench after a month out. Coach Cuca has enough attacking options to adjust on the fly.

Flamengo won four of their last five matches across all competitions and scored in each. They have 55 league goals in 28 rounds. The squad kept most of their core during the break—Jorginho, Pulgar, Paquetá, and the centre-backs trained fully to maintain rhythm. Arraskaeta's absence between the lines will be shared by Paquetá and Carrasquil, while Pedro and Lino returned from international duty and are fit. Even without their main creator, Flamengo have enough quality to fashion chances. The trip to a resurgent Santos looks far harder than the table suggests.

Head-to-head since 2011 shows two wins each, with two draws. Flamengo won 2-1 in 2013 and 1-0 in 2012. Santos won 2-0 in 2012. The sides drew 1-1 in 2011 and 0-0 twice in 2013 and 2014.

Best bet

Santos do not lose. The home side have won six of seven and sit in their best form of the season. Flamengo are stronger on paper and lead the league, but Santos' current run and home field tilt the odds in their favour. At 1xBet, a Santos win or draw pays 4.18. At 1Win, the same market prices at 4.52. The draw alone sits at 3.75 with 1xBet and 3.79 with 1Win.

Odds to watch

Flamengo's attack is the league's most prolific and will test Santos' defence. Both teams scored in four of Flamengo's last five matches. Santos have netted at least twice in each of their last five league games. A Flamengo win pays 1.87 at 1xBet and 1.76 at 1Win. The first half should bring goals given both sides' attacking intent and Santos' momentum.