Derby fever hits Rio

Brazil is preparing itself for one of its biggest derbies, as Flamengo and Fluminense meet in Rio de Janeiro this weekend.

The fixture is known as the Fla-Flu derby and brings together the 2009 champions and the current Brazilian Serie A title holders.

Ex-Portugal midfielder Deco should be fit for the weekend’s clash, after recovering from an injury picked up against Corinthians.

But Abel Braga will be without his frontman Fred, the striker is on international duty with Brazil in the Copa America.

In his absence Fluminense have scored only seven goals in their opening seven games.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Flamengo have no such problems – they boast the most profilic attack in the league, scoring 16 times already this season.

Ronaldinho and Deivid are in red-hot form, scoring six goals between them in the last two games.

With 99 years of tradition and just a point separating the teams, this weekend’s derby is set to be an enthralling affair.