In a crucial Copa Libertadores clash, Fluminense faces Cerro Porteno at the Maracana on Thursday.
Fluminense, the reigning champions, aim to secure their spot in the last 16 and top Group A with a victory. Currently, they hold eight points, three ahead of second-placed Cerro Porteno.
Team Form and Performance
Fluminense
Fluminense started the group stage slowly but has shown significant improvement, winning two of their last three matches after a 1-1 draw with Alianza Lima.
Under Fernando Diniz, Fluminense remains unbeaten in this year’s competition, demonstrating a strong defensive record by conceding only two goals in four matches.
At home, Fluminense has a formidable record. They haven’t lost in their last four group matches at the Maracana and have remained unbeaten against Paraguayan teams in Rio, with five wins and one draw.
Their last home defeat in the Libertadores group stage was in 2021.
Cerro Porteno
Cerro Porteno, led by Manolo Jimenez, has had a mixed performance in the group stage.
They managed a draw with Alianza Lima recently, placing them a point ahead of Colo-Colo for an automatic round of 16 spot.
However, Cerro Porteno struggles on the road, winless in their last ten away matches in the Libertadores group stage, with their last away win dating back to April 2021 against America de Cali.
Team News
Fluminense
Fluminense faces several injury concerns. Marlon, Gabriel Pires, Andre, and Renato Augusto are sidelined with knee issues.
Thiago Santos and Douglas Costa might also miss out due to thigh injuries, while Lele is recovering from an ACL injury, and Samuel Xavier has a sore foot.
Manoel, who scored the decisive goal against Colo-Colo, will be crucial for Fluminense.
Cerro Porteno
Cerro Porteno is also dealing with injuries, missing Bruno Valdez and Lucas Quintana due to cruciate ligament tears.
Federico Carrizo, who started in the last match, may continue in the lineup after scoring against Alianza Lima.
Predicted Lineups
Fluminense: Fabio; Marquinhos,…
Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/news/fluminense-vs-cerro-porteno-prediction/4752
Author : editors@footballcritic.com (Jake Skudder)
Publish date : 2024-05-16 09:13:17
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