Flamengo and Fluminense will renew their derby rivalry this weekend at the Maracana. It is one of Brazil football’s biggest rivalries when these teams meet.
They have already competed in the state playoff final with Flamengo lifting the Carioca.
Fluminense are winless in four straight Serie A games with two losses and two draws. The Tricolour are 13th in the standings with 10 points from 24 possible.
They have been outscored 9-7 over the course of those eight matches and manager Roger Machado needs the team to find some form quickly.
Flamengo are sixth in the Serie A table. They are blowing hot and cold with two wins and two losses in their last four games. The Vulture won last time out in midweek 2-0 against Cuiaba.
Flamengo are now four points behind league leaders Red Bull Bragantino with two games in hand.
The state rivals have played twice already this season with Flamengo claiming a 1-1 draw and 3-1 win. Flamengo manager Roger Ceni has several players away at the Copa America. The absence of players can explain Flamengo’s loss of form.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Mauricio Isla, Gabriel Barbosa and Everton Ribeiro all remain absent for Thursday's match. Their absences will cause more selection headaches for Ceni.
Fluminense are coming off of 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Athletico PR. The loss was not the result Machado wanted going into the derby.
Machado could be without four players for the match this weekend. Forward Raul Bobadilla has a calf injury and is a doubt to play.
Midfielder Caio Paulista has a muscle injury and defender Samuel Xavier has a thigh issue which could keep both players sidelined. Midfielder Hudson is out for the season with a knee injury.
Flamengo have been very good at home this season taking nine points from 12 available. They have scored seven goals while conceding just four to opponents.
Fluminense have been poor on the road this season collecting three points from 12 avaialble. All three points came from draws. Their last road game finished in a 1-0 loss to Atletico GO. The Tricolour have conceded four goals while tallying three on their travels.
Flamengo claimed a win in the state tournament the last time these clubs met. Ceni’s team are better at this point in the season than Fluminense and should tally another win.
The teams should combine for over 2.5 goals and both should find the back of the net as Flamengo win.