Copa Libertadores tips and predictions: Palmeiras vs Flamengo prop bets

On Saturday night it’s a game that features in our weekend 5/1 acca, the Copa Libertadores final as Brazilian heavyweights Palmeiras and Flamengo lock horns in Lima. 

Palmeiras’ head coach Abel Ferreira has plenty of experience at this level, although Filipe Luis has already banked three trophies with Flamengo - and the former Chelsea full-back has made quite the impression on Brazilian football since his appointment last year.

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These two sides have faced off in the league this season on no less than two occasions, and it has been Flamengo that have come out on top both times. 

Will they make it three wins from three this weekend and secure their fourth Copa Libertadores? South American expert Nathan Joyes weighs in with his thoughts and best bets.

Copa Libertadores final match odds

Odds courtesy of (Betway)

Palmeiras vs Flamengo prop bets

Pick: Giorgian de Arrascaeta to score at 11/4 - (Ladbrokes)

Flamengo’s magic no.10 has been the best player in Brazil all season long. With 18 goals and 14 assists to his name from 31 league appearances, the Uruguayan also has a couple to his name in this competition.

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Luis prefers to play a 4-3-3 but with his wingers staying wide and forward dropping deep, this so often opens up plenty of space for de Arrascaeta to get in behind the centre-backs. Both aren’t particularly fast for Palmeiras, and the Uruguayan can round off 2025 in style. Which you can find at 11/4 with Ladbrokes.

Pick: Gustavo Gomez to be carded at 10/11 - (Betway)

Palmeiras’ fiery captain has been booked in his last three meetings against Flamengo over the last 12 months - and it’s a trend that can continue in the final. 

As mentioned, Flamengo like their no.9 to drop deep and at times Gomez follows - often leaving himself with the decision to foul or not to foul.

This is certainly a fixture that can boil over and more often than not Gomez is in the thick of the drama. He wears his heart on his sleeve, but that shows having picked up 13 yellow cards in a little over 30 matches this season. He’s certainly one of the more likely candidates to be carded.

Pick: Half with most corners: Second at 4/5 - (Ladbrokes)

Sometimes data and statistics, like expected goals, go out of the window when it comes to a final. Inevitably, it looks as though one of these sides will be chasing the match - and corners often play a big part in that. This is a final which means so much to South Americans - and this year, Brazilians. 

The opening 45 minutes can often be a cagey, emotional affair when no one wants to make mistakes. But whether Palmeiras or Flamengo are behind - or looking to hold on - expect the corner count to rack up in the second 45 minutes.

FIRST.com’s Copa Libertadores final top tip

Pick: Flamengo to lift the trophy at 3/4 - (Betway)

Palmieras’ performances have dropped off of late, leaving them vulnerable in the Brazilian title race as well as heading to Lima with a point to prove. 

There’s so much talent on display for Verdao, but Filipe Luis has managed to exploit their weaknesses twice this campaign - and he's proving to be a serial winner.

Flamengo’s overall experience and key heads in the starting XI - including Jorginho - could just be the difference and help win a historic fourth Copa Libertadores title at the expense of Palmeiras.

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Odds correct at the time of writing.