Preview: Fluminense vs. Corinthians - prediction, team news, lineups

Fluminense take on Corinthians in the Brasileiro Serie A on Sunday.

Neither side have enjoyed the greatest start to the season in its early stages, with Fluminense one point and two positions above their forthcoming opponents in ninth place.

Match preview

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Having finished fifth last season, which was their highest placing since last winning Serie A in 2012, following five consecutive bottom-half finishes beforehand, optimism was building among Fluminense fans that they could finally compete with their city rivals Flamengo this season.

The two Rio de Janeiro-based clubs, who currently share ownership of the famous Maracana stadium, have won five of the last 12 Brazilian titles between them, with Flamengo currently defending champions having secured back-to-back titles.

With former Palmeiras and Atletico Mineiro boss Roger Machado on board since February, Time de Guerreiros certainly have plenty of firepower in attacking areas, with the likes of Fred, Abel Hernandez and Ganso all in their squad.

So far, though, Machado appears to be building from the back, with three clean sheets in their first six matches testament to a stable defence. However, Fluminense only registered three shots in a 1-0 defeat away to Atletico Goianiense on Wednesday, so may need to improve creatively to beat Corinthians on Sunday.

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Corinthians boast a similar record to their forthcoming opponents in the early stages of this season, having scored five and conceded five goals to sit a point behind them in the table.

The seven-time Brazilian champions, who last won the title in 2017, appointed former Arsenal and Barcelona defender Sylvinho as manager last month, with the 47-year-old only managing to win two of his eight games in charge in all competitions so far.

There were certainly signs of improvement during the 2-1 win against Sport Recife last time out, though, with former Manchester City striker Jo doubling his side's lead after half time before a late consolation goal from the visitors.

With only three of their 16 shots testing the opposition goalkeeper, though, Sylvinho will be urging his side to work the ball into better positions, with Jo certainly capable of finishing moves off should his teammates supply him on a more regular basis.

Team News

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Fluminense are likely to be without Hudson for the rest of the season after the midfielder sustained an ACL injury.

Uruguay winger Hernandez could come onto the right flank in place of Kayky as Machado searches for greater goal threat within his ranks.

Corinthians, meanwhile, have a busy treatment table, which is certainly not helping Sylvinho in his early weeks in charge of the club.

Gustavo Mantuan, Danilo Avelar and Ruan Oliveira are all recovering from ACL injuries themselves, and could return to training in the next week or two.

Luan, Leo Natel and Caique Franca are unlikely to be available for another month due to thigh, shoulder and hernia issues respectively, but Romulo Otero's quarantine period due to COVID-19 should end in time for Corinthians' derby match against Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Marcos; Calegari, Nino, Claro, Danilo; Yago, Martinelli; Hernandez, Nene, Teixeira; Fred

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Fagner, Joao Victor, Gil, Fabio Santos; Mosquito, Gabriel, Cantillo; Vitinho, Jo, Vital

We say: Fluminense 1-0 Corinthians

With neither side even averaging one goal for or against so far, it is hard to envisage many goals in this match.

Fluminense could benefit from Corinthians having one eye on their match against city rivals Sao Paulo three days later.