It’s 5th vs. 6th in Brazil’s top flight this weekend as Fluminense visit Allianz Parque to face Palmeiras on Saturday night.
Palmeiras currently sit one point behind Fluminense in the table, although the Big Green do have a game in hand over Odair Hellmann’s side.
Abel Ferreira’s men head into this clash on a three-game winning streak in Serie A, with victories over Atletico Goianiense, Atletico Mineiro and Vasco da Gama.
In fact, Palmeiras have won each of their previous seven outings in all coemptions. After thrashing Tigre 5-0 in the Copa Libertadores, they picked up back-to-back Copa de Brasil wins over Bragantino.
It is worth mentioning that Palmeiras have also kept six clean sheets in their last seven matches and have scored 19 goals along the way (2.7 goals per game).
Looking at the bigger picture, Ferreira’s side have only lost four of their previous 28 home matches in Serie A.
Meanwhile, Fluminense were enjoying an eight-game unbeaten streak (five wins, three draws) prior to last weekend.
However, following back-to-back victories, their promising run was brought to an end by Gremio last time out.
Despite seeing 61% possession and recording 12 shots (four on target), Hellman’s side were eventually beaten 1-0.
Still, Fluminense remain one point ahead of Palmeiras and only find themselves four points behind league-leaders Internacional.
Fluminense are the fourth-highest scorers in the Serie A this season (29), yet six sides have a better defensive record in the division (22).
Head-to-head: These two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture back in August, with Luiz Adriano (Palmeiras) and Evanilson (Fluminense) scoring the goals.
Across the previous five meetings between the teams, each side has picked up two wins, so it’s fair to say that Palmeiras and Fluminense have been pretty evenly matched in recent times.
Teams news: Palmerias have two long-term absentees, with Felipe Melo (midfielder) and Wesley (winger) currently on the sidelines.
Fluminense have no fresh injury worries. Veteran midfielder Nene has seven goals and one assist in 15 Serie A appearances this term.
There has been very little to separate these two sides in recent years. It is also worth pointing out both teams have scored in 11 of Palmerias’ last 13 league outings.
Forebet predicts that Palmeiras and Fluminense will produce a low-scoring draw this weekend, with both sides netting at least one goal.