Flamengo can leapfrog seventh-placed Fluminense on Sunday, when the Rio de Janeiro rivals meet at the Estadio Municipal General Raulino de Oli, in gameweek eight of the Brasileiro.
Both sides enter this fixture having scored seven and conceded six goals, but Fluminense have managed to pick up two more points than their visitors, with Flamengo currently sitting 14th in the league.
Match preview
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Fernando Diniz's side enter this game on the back of an emphatic victory in the Copa Sudamericana on Friday, when Fluminense won 10-1 against Oriente Petrolero, but that was still not enough to qualify for the knockout stages, finishing second in the group.
After consecutive defeats in the league at the end of April and start of May, Fluminense have picked up their form and they continued that last Sunday, when Luiz Henrique's early strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win against Fortaleza.
From three matches on home soil so far, Fluminense have picked up four points from a possible nine, which is a record they will have to improve on if they want to better their seventh-placed finish from last year.
Diniz's side are yet to score from a set-piece this year, but in comparison, Flamengo have netted nearly half of their goals from corners, which could be an obvious difference between the two teams this weekend.
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The visitors are in fine form themselves ahead of this encounter, only losing once in their last nine games across all competitions, most recently securing a 2-1 win against Sporting Cristal in the Copa Libertadores.
Paulo Sousa's side had already qualified for the knockout rounds of that competition, prior to the final group game on Wednesday, and that also means this weekend's away team had an extra day's rest.
Flamengo boosted their league position slightly last Saturday, when they earned a 1-0 win against Goias, thanks to Pedro's 17th-minute strike, in a game that the hosts dominated in terms of possession and chances created.
However, from their three away outings to date, Sousa's team have only collected two points, but at the home of their city rivals, Sunday's encounter presents an exciting opportunity to get their first win on their travels.
Recently, Fluminense have more frequently claimed the bragging rights in this fixture, and are unbeaten against Flamengo in their last five clashes, winning four of them during that time.
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Team News
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Midfielder Nonato was sent off in the 27th minute on Friday, so he will not be available for selection, but that should not change Diniz's selection, as Nonato has only started two league games anyway.
Fluminense centre-back Felipe Melo and striker Fred are expected to continue to be absent from the matchday squad due to injury, meaning that German Cano will lead the line in place of Fred.
Wingers Nathan and Henrique offer attacking threat from wide areas, while Paulo Ganso will also support in the final third from a central attacking-midfield role.
Flamengo goalkeeper Aderbar Santos will not be able to be named on the bench, along with fellow shot-stopper Diego Alves due to injury, meaning that Hugo Nogueira will continue between the posts.
Fabricio Bruno, Filipe Luis, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Franca and Vitinho are all ruled out due to injury also, but Sousa could name an unchanged 11 from last time out.
David Luiz returned to the starting lineup in the heart of defence alongside Pablo, with Gabriel Barbosa supporting Pedro as a second striker at the other end of the pitch.
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Marlon, Braz, Nino, Yago; Andre, Wellington; Nathan, Ganso, Henrique; Cano
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Nogueira; Lucas, Luiz, Pablo, Isla; Maia, Gomes; Lazaro, Barbosa, Marinho; Pedro
We say: Fluminense 2-1 Flamengo
Fluminense are slight favourites for this clash given that they are on home soil, but it is expected to be a closely-fought affair between two rivals from Rio de Janeiro.
Both teams have scored and conceded the same amount this season, which is another indicator for a tight match, but despite less rest ahead of this outing, Fluminense should be able to edge past their visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Sammy Wynne
