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

After both sides enjoyed impressive wins last time out, Fluminense host Campeonato Brasileiro rivals Ceara on Saturday, at the Maracana.

The hosts will hope to give veteran forward Fred a special send-off upon his retirement, but face an away side unbeaten in 11 league games - the last five of which were drawn.

Match preview

© Reuters

Last Saturday's Brasileiro fixture between Fluminense and Corinthians not only confirmed the former as potential title contenders, but also saw the Maracana brought to rapture by a magical moment featuring one of Flu's favourite sons.

Despite starting on the bench, former Brazil striker Fred was the star attraction of what turned out to be an impressive 4-0 win, with even his appearances on the stadium's jumbo screens generating a frenzied response from fans who have followed his fortunes during two spells at the Rio club.

Set to retire from football following this week's encounter with Ceara, he took less than 10 minutes to give the fans what they wanted most, and an injury-time goal set the seal on Flu's fourth successive victory.

Brazil's most famous stadium is surely bound to overflow with emotion once again on Saturday, as coach Fernando Diniz leads his side onto the field against Ceara.

They approach the game in excellent form, having previously claimed victory in the Classico Vovo against Botafogo, after beating Avai and Cruzeiro in league and cup respectively.

As a result, Tricolor are only five points shy of top spot - sitting sixth in the Serie A standings - so they should have little to fear when faced by opponents placed just outside the bottom four.

© Reuters

While Ceara are only one point and two places outside of the drop zone, in a tightly-packed table, they also lie a mere six points behind Fluminense before this weekend's clash.

However, their recent record sees the Fortaleza outfit without a league win since early June, after five consecutive Brasileiro draws. The most recent - last weekend's 1-1 draw with Internacional - was followed, though, by another Copa Sudamericana success in midweek.

After winning the opening leg of their last-16 tie against The Strongest seven days earlier, the side managed by Marquinhos Santos secured safe passage to the quarter-finals of South America's second-tier club competition - cruising to a 3-0 victory at Castelao.

Indeed, Ceara previously won every group stage match to reach the tournament's knockout rounds, but such a winning touch has deserted them on domestic duty of late.

Despite failing to take maximum points for several weeks now, the Alvinegro are one of Serie A's most effective away sides this season - only one loss from eight road trips confirms as much - so they may well relish a trip to the mighty Maracana.

Team News

© Reuters

Fluminense manager Fernando Diniz may be bidding goodbye to a reliable servant up front, but as Fred prepares to depart the stage, former Atletico-MG striker Marrony now waits in the wings.

The 23-year-old striker signed on Wednesday, on a loan deal from Denmark's Midtjylland, and has already taken part in training with his new teammates; making him a contender to feature this weekend.

After missing four months due to a foot injury, another Flu forward, John Kennedy, will be available again, as back up for Serie A's joint-top scorer German Cano. Both Kennedy and midfielder Nonato return from suspension, to bolster an almost injury-free squad.

Ceara also hope to have a new attacking option at their disposal on Saturday, as Colombian striker Jhon Vasquez joined full training this week.

The visitors are likely to pair him alongside compatriot Stiven Mendoza up front, following the latter's return from injury.

Only Erick is definitely sidelined, as he recovers from collarbone surgery, with Joao Ricardo, Bruno Pacheco and Cleber all recovered from recent COVID-19 infections and available to Marquinhos Santos.

Fluminense possible starting lineup:

Fabio; Xavier, Manoel, Nino, Paulista; Martinelli, Andre; Martins, Ganso, Arias; Cano

Ceara possible starting lineup:

Machado; Paraiba, Messias, Lacerda, Luis; Richardson, Lima; Richard, Vinicius, Mendoza; Vasquez

We say: Fluminense 1-0 Ceara

Though they certainly know how to scramble for hard-earned points, Ceara will not be able to spoil Fred's leaving party - ending their undefeated streak in the process.

A confident Flu side, with more depth in attacking areas, can extend their winning run and potentially close the gap on leaders Palmeiras.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.