Just three points off top spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Corinthians visit Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, to take on Fluminense at the iconic Maracana.
After a pair of goalless draws over the past week - including their latest foray in the Copa Libertadores - the visitors now encounter a home side still savouring their derby win last weekend.
Match preview
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Entering the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores for the first time since 2018, on Tuesday night, Corinthians welcomed South American heavyweights Boca Juniors to Sao Paulo - heading into the game unbeaten in each of their last five outings.
Though they extended that streak by grinding out a 0-0 draw with the Argentinian giants, a tally of just two shots on target from the home leg of their last-16 tie will disappoint coach Vitor Pereira, who joined the club after missing out on the Everton job earlier this year.
Nonetheless, Timao have claimed three wins and three draws from their last six matches, following another goalless stalemate with Santos in the Brasileiro last weekend - a match in which they managed only a single effort on target.
They have hardly been prolific this term, despite occupying a lofty spot in the table - so far scoring at a rate of just over a goal per game - but have relied on their impenetrable home record to pile up points.
While Pereira's men are now undefeated in 17 consecutive matches at Neo Quimica Arena - claiming 12 wins there since February's loss to Santos - they have proved a rather more inconsistent force on the road; leaving them just shy of city rivals Palmeiras at the top of the standings.
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Three successive wins have helped Fluminense turn around a sluggish start to June, and the Rio outfit enter the new month in excellent form, having claimed victory in last week's Classico Vovo.
In a fixture first played back in 1905, making it the oldest 'classic' in Brazilian football, the Tricolor came out on top thanks to Manoel's late winner, as they notched up three valuable points to beat Botafogo and edge inside the top six.
After just one win from their previous five outings, Flu have now enjoyed a far more productive spell lately - with a 2-0 defeat of promoted Avai having been followed by a first-leg victory over Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil; then their away win in the derby.
With more than a third of the season now completed, the Serie A standings remain particularly tight, and Fernando Diniz's side are actually only six points clear of the relegation zone.
However, recent form suggests that they will host the league's second-placed side feeling full of confidence, despite taking a solitary point from the clubs' two most recent encounters.
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Team News
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Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz will be forced to make at least one change to his in-form team, after naming the same starting XI three times in a row; leading to wins over Avai, Cruzeiro and Botafogo.
Midfield regular Nonato must serve a suspension for accumulated bookings on Saturday, while striker John Kennedy, who has been German Cano's deputy this term, also faces a one-match ban. Therefore, veteran forward Fred could be involved from the bench, as he nears his farewell appearance - set for next weekend.
Former Corinthians defender Manoel will start at the heart of the hosts' back four, after his goal last time out took him to within two of his most productive scoring season in Serie A.
Midfielder Yago Felipe will hope to celebrate extending his stay at the club for another two years - after signing a new deal on Tuesday - by replacing Nonato. Luiz Henrique has completed his move to Real Betis, so teenager Matheus Martins could now start.
Corinthians, meanwhile, arrive in Rio with a depleted squad, hot on the heels of their Libertadores clash with Boca, as both Fagner (thigh) and Willian (shoulder) expect to be sidelined.
Maycon, Gil, Gustavo Silva and Renato Augusto are among those also out of action for the visitors, but Victor Cantillo returns from suspension and could feature in midfield.
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Xavier, Manoel, Nino, Paulista; Felipe, Andre; Martins, Ganso, Arias; Cano
Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Pedro, Mendez, Gustavo, Piton; Roni, Cantillo, Guiliano; Adson, Guedes, Mantuan
We say: Fluminense 2-1 Corinthians
A tough run of luck with injuries and a recent lack of goals means that Corinthians should start as outsiders - particularly away at the Maracana. Therefore, Flu can grasp their chance to close the gap between the teams down to just two points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Jonathan O'Shea
