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

Still in search of their first victory of the new Brasileiro campaign, Fortaleza play host to Fluminense at the Castelao on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the away side make the journey looking to extend their unbeaten streak of five games across all competitions.

Match preview

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Fortaleza claimed a 2-0 triumph over Allianz Lima in Thursday's Copa Libertadores clash at Estadio Nacional de Lima.

Goals in either half from Moises and Yago Pikachu got the job done for Juan Pablo Vojvoda's men in the Peruvian capital.

Before that, Clube da Garotada were beaten 3-1 by their Botafogo in their most recent league outing and currently sit rock bottom having picked up just one point from five games this term.

Lying in store next is the visit of an opposing side who have lost just one of the last six encounters involving the teams since 2019.

However, that only defeat came in the most recent meeting last October, when Sunday's hosts romped to a 2-0 win.

Fluminense were held to a goalless draw by Argentinian outfit Union de Sante Fe on Thursday at Estadio 15 de Abril.

Fernando Diniz's men had the lion's share of the ball possession but failed to muster a single effort on target.

This came off the back of a 2-1 victory over Athletico Paranaense which saw the Tricolor move into 12th place in the standings.

Having kept clean sheets in three of their last five outings away from home, Sunday's visitors will be looking to put on another solid defensive display on the road.

Team News

Felipe Melo and John Kennedy are not expected to feature for Fluminense as they remain sidelined heading into Sunday's game.

However, Ganso made his return to action last time out, while Samuel Xavier was fit enough to be named on the bench.

German Cano has found the back of the net in each of his last three domestic outings, and the 34-year-old is one to look out for.

Fortaleza's first-choice goalkeeper Max Walef continues to nurse a knee problem which has seen him miss each of the last three games.

Marcelo Boeck is expected to retain his place between the sticks for what would be only a fourth appearance since the turn of the year.

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:

Boeck; Titi, Conceicao, Tinga; Crispim, Jussa, Lima, Felipe, Pikachu; Moises, Kayser

Fluminense possible starting lineup:

Fabio; Pineida, Braz, Nino, Felipe; Wellington, Andre; Nathan, Ganso, Henrique; Cano

We say: Fortaleza 1-0 Fluminense

Both teams have struggled for goals so far, and we expect a low-scoring affair in this one. That said, we are also tipping the home team to claim a hard-fought three points, ending their wait for a league victory this term.

For additional data used by our team to analyse our suggested result please click here.