Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Brasileiro clash between Fluminense and Atletico Goianiense, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Two sides with a poor start to the current Brasileiro campaign will face off at the Maracana on Sunday when Fluminense host Atletico Goianiense.
After eight matches, the hosts are in 16th place, just above the drop zone while the visitors are 18th and in the drop zone.
Match preview
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Fluminense have endured a laboured start to the current Brasileiro season, sitting just above the drop zone in 16th place, having lost half of their matches so far.
They are winless in their last five games, alternating defeats and draws and their only victory this season came against Vasco de Gama on matchday three. Fernando Diniz‘s men were unable to find a response to Bastos‘s 67th-minute goal, falling 1-0 in their last league outing.
Defensive frailties have plagued the current Copa Libertadores champions, as they have conceded the joint-second-most goals in the league (14).
While their opponents are also struggling, the picture is not rosy for Fluminense. They have a poor record against Atletico Goianiense, losing five times and drawing once in their last six meetings, with their last win against the visitors coming in 2020.
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Like the hosts, Atletico GO have also had a tough start, managing just one win and two draws in eight games, leaving them in 18th place.
Their struggles were evident in their recent 2-2 draw against Corinthians, who played with ten men for almost an hour. Despite Gustavo Henrique‘s red card in the 34th minute, Yuri Alberto‘s brace saw Corinthians lead by two goals.
However, Atletico GO salvaged a point thanks to a Caca own goal that handed them a lifeline and a Shaylon penalty in stoppage time.
With their only win coming away from home, Atletico GO will be hopeful of another victory against an opponent they have dominated in recent meetings.
Fluminense Brasileiro form:
Fluminense form (all competitions):
Atletico Goianiense Brasileiro form:
Atletico Goianiense form (all competitions):
Team News
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Fluminense will be without Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias, who is away on international duty at Copa America.
Andre Trindade is the only absentee on the injury front, as the midfielder is ruled out with a knee issue until later this month.
Thirty-four-year-old forward Keno, who missed the last match through injury, remains a doubt for this clash.
The visitors will be without the midfield duo of Gustavo Campanharo and Derek, as they are both sidelined with injuries until later this month.
Emiliano Rodriguez, who is yet to open his Brasileiro account this season, is expected to lead the line once again.
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Marquinhos, Marlon, Silva, Marcelo; Martinelli, Ganso, Lima; Marquinhos, Cano, Kennedy
Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:
Ronaldo; Maguinho, Martins, Alix, Romao; Kal, Baralhas, Rhaldney; Shaylon, Rodriguez, Fernando
We say: Fluminense 1-1 Atletico Goianiense
Both sides are having a dreadful start to this campaign and have not found their feet. Despite Atletico GO’s recent dominance in this fixture, home support could count for Fluminense. However, we think this will end in a stalemate.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.