Prediction: Fluminense vs Internacional

Verdict: Fluminense win

Best odds: 177/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Looking to get back to winning ways following a disappointing start to the season, Fluminense will host Internacional. The match will be played in Rio de Janeiro at the famous Maracana where the fans will cheer for the hosts’ second win this term.

Fluminense

From reigning supreme in the Southern Emisphere following an empathic win of the Copa Libertadores in 2023 to the bottom of the Brazilian Serie A table, Fluminense’s fall resembles a horror movie script. Although the hosts were a force to be reckoned with Worldwide just a year ago, the financial problems dropped the team to the bottom of the pit.

While the Brazilian and Argentinian clubs have been feeding European football’s top teams with young talents, the financial problem displays poor club management. Furthermore, the neverending managerial changes during a season make difficult the task of implementing a long-term plan for further stability.

Despite winning Copa Libertadores last season and claiming success this February in Recopa Americana, the board sacked Fernando Diniz following a poor start to this campaign and appointed Marcao as interim manager.  However, his lack of experience led to more suffering for the Fluminense fans as they witnessed their favourites lose a pair of games under his command. Although Marcao’s appointment was a desperate measure, the board appointed permanently Mano Menezes on 1st July as the new boss.

With the half-seasons approaching fast, Fluminense needs to pick up points in the next rounds to close that gap towards safety as they sit now six points below the floating line. Following the International game, the Tricolor will fight difficult battles on the road at Fortaleza, Criciuma and Cuiaba, a period in which Fluminense aims to leave the bottom place.

Team News

Mano Menezes will have a headache lining up a strong team, with several players injured. Besides veteran left back Marcelo recovering from a calf injury, the defensive line is further weakened with Andre and Manoel also out. Furthermore, Right Winger Jhon Arias is away at Copa America performing international duties for Colombia.

Internacional

The visitors retained a middle-table position with 18 points after 11 games despite being involved in many battles across multiple competitions. Still, boosting a record of 5 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats, proves The Reds are difficult to defeat regardless of playing against top sides like Athletico PR.

Besides, performing at the highest level in Copa Sudamericana returned a qualification in the knockout phase from a second position with a single defeat (1-2 at home to Belgrano). This great achievement made the visitors play better on the road where they lost just a pair of games this term across all competitions.

However, with no wins in their last two rounds, Internacional faces an uphill battle to defeat a team that fights for survival with a new manager at the helm. Furthermore, dropping two points in the last game played away at Criciuma after leading with 10 minutes to finish, The Reds will have another difficult test at Fluminense.

Following the Fluminense journey, Internacional will be eager to return home with a win against Vasco and raise their Seria A position before playing in the Copa Sudamericana knockout stage.

Team News

Goalkeeper Ivan is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and will not be part of the squad. Also, talented attacking midfielder Mauricio suffered a knee knock and will not make the trip to Fluminense. Furthermore, Internacional has three key players playing at Copa America and two suspended. Considering these setbacks, Eduardo Coudet will have major problems to line up a competitive team and get a positive result.

Key factors to consider

• Fluminense went from Copa Libertadores winner to bottom of the table in the Serie A in less than a year
• The hosts sacked Fernando Diniz following a poor start of the season and appointed Mano Menezes at the helm
• International lost two games on the road this season
• The visitors won a single contest at Maracana against Fluminense from 2019 to present

Conclusion

The arrival of Mano Menezes is anticipated to have a beneficial effect in his first match against Internacional, even though the Fluminense season is headed for disaster. The hosts, eager to win their second Serie A game of the year, can take advantage of Internacional’s numerous important absences.

Verdict: Fluminense win

Best odds: 177/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet