Cruzeiro and Fluminense have not played a competitive fixture since the 2019 season. On Thursday, the two sides will play in the Copa do Brasil round of 16 first leg.
The Copa do Brasil features two leg series in each round. The winner of the first leg on Thursday will have the advantage heading into the second leg.
Fluminense reached the round of 16 courtesy of a 5-2 win versus Vila Nova. Big Flu won both legs of the round of 32 tie against Vila Nova.
Cruzeiro had difficulty in the round of 32 against Remo. The game finished 2-2 with Cruzeiro winning on penalties 5-4. Cruzeiro lost the first leg 2-1 but claimed a 1-0 win in the second match to force the penalty shootout.
Fluminense go into the round of 16 first leg in excellent form. Big Flu are unbeaten in their last two matches in Serie A. Last time out, Fluminense defeated Avai 2-0 in the league.
Cruzeiro are a second division side but are at the top of Serie B. They have a Serie B record of 10W-1D-2L. Cruzeiro have been excellent in front of goal with 16 goals and just five goals allowed.
Fluminense have scored 15 times in Serie A, but have allowed 14 goals to opponents. Although they are in the first division, Big Flu have struggled in defence in Serie A after 13 matches.
Cruzeiro won two, drew two, and lost two games against Fluminense in their last six meetings. Fluminense failed to win the last two encounters against Cruzeiro.
Edu leads Cruzeiro in goals in Serie B heading into the game on Thursday. The forward could start in attack versus Fluminense.
Fluminense are led in goals by German Cano. The Argentine has bagged seven goals this season in Serie A. Cano could be deployed in attack with Luis Henrique and Ganso in support.
Manager Fernando Diniz has three players on the Fluminense injury list. Felipe Melo is a doubt due to a muscle injury. Defender Cris Silva also has a muscle problem and is a doubt. Defender Luan Freitas has a knee injury that will rule him out.
Cruzeiro may have needed penalties to get into the round of 16, but they are in excellent form. The team is at the top of Serie B and should claim an away win in the round of 16 first leg versus Fluminense. Cruzeiro should post a 2-1 win in the end.