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

Looking to preserve their unbeaten starts to the new league season, Fortaleza and Fluminense go head-to-head at the Estadio Castelao on Sunday.

The home side currently occupy top spot on the log after four rounds of matches, with the visitors four places below in fifth.

Match preview

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Fluminense picked up a second 1-0 home victory on the trot after seeing off the threat of Santos at the Estadio do Maracana on Thursday.

The deadlock was broken five minutes into the second half as Nene opened his account for the season with a well-taken finish.

Roger Machado's men have a perfect record on home turf, but their performances on the road often leave much to be desired.

Po de Arroz have failed to win any of their three away games in all competitions and are facing elimination from the Copa do Brasil in the third round after a first-leg 2-1 loss to Red Bull Bragantino on June 10.

Fortaleza were denied a fourth straight win in all competitions following a goalless draw against Atletico Goianiense on Thursday.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda's men were a tad lucky to come away with a point in a game where they were dominated for the majority.

While that stalemate brought an end to the Clube da Garotada's 100% start to the season, they still hold a two-point lead over second-placed Athletico Paranaense, albeit having played an extra game.

Saturday's hosts are yet to win any of their last four clashes against the visitors, suffering defeats home and away in the last campaign.

The current Brasileiro leaders have also failed to find the back of the net in those meetings but will back themselves to end that run with eight goals scored already in their four outings this term.

Team News

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Fortaleza's Wellington Paulista has scored in each of his last three home matches, including the winner in a 1-0 triumph over Sport Recife on Monday.

Despite regularly lining up in defence, Yago Pikachu has chipped in with three goals in four league outings and leads the way for his side in that aspect.

John Kennedy and Hudson are yet to feature for the visitors this term as they are sidelined with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.

Marcos Felipe has been magnificent in goal for Fluminense, and he made eight saves last time out en route to his fourth clean sheet of the season.

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Alves; Titi, Conceicao, Tinga; Carlinhos, Felipe, Lourenco, Pikachu; De Vargas, Romarinho, Paulista

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Marcos; Egidio, Claro, Manoel, Calegari; Yago, Martinelli, Nene; Paulista, Fred, Teixeira

We say: Fortaleza 1-1 Fluminense

The contest could swing either way, as both teams have flown out of the blocks with aplomb. We are anticipating an open and end-to-end affair with the points split in the end.