Prediction: Fluminense vs Ceara

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Round 16 is up this weekend in the Brazilian Serie A. There’s a lot to play for at both ends of the table at the moment, and with that in mind, the clash between Fluminense and Ceara at the famous stadium of Maracana should be an interesting one with both sides in need of points.

Fluminense

As far as the home team and their supporters are concerned, much attention will be directed at 38-year-old striker Fred. The former Brazil international will retire from playing professionally after the final whistle of this match, and he is sure to receive an emotional sendoff after scoring 130 goals in 270 games for Flu – a number he will obviously try to add to by the end of the week.

Fluminense are currently in sixth place with 24 points, just five less than Palmeiras at the top. Athletico Paranaense, Atletico Mineiro (both on 27 points), Corinthians (26) and Internacional (25) are wedged in between. Quite clearly, Fluminense need to stay focused but nothing can be ruled out at this point, not even winning the title. It’s worth remembering that the top four spots lead directly to the Copa Libertadores, while places five and six warrant qualifications. The following six go to the Copa Sudamericana.

Fernando Diniz’s men have recently recovered from a brief slump in results. Their last-six run started with a 0-2 home defeat to Atletico Goianiense, followed by a goalless draw away to America Mineiro. Then came a 2-0 win over Avai, a 2-1 win at home over Cruzeiro in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, a 0-1 win away to Botafogo, and eventually, a 4-0 home triumph over Corinthians in which Fred came off the bench to score in injury time.

Team News

Fluminense have just brought in 23-year-old striker Marrony on loan from Danish side FC Midtjylland as a replacement for Fred, but the veteran will surely play a part in his last game in professional football even if the starting place undoubtedly belongs to German Cano.

Fellow forward John Kennedy is back from a suspension, as is midfielder Nonato.

Diniz should have no injury concerns ahead of the match.

Ceara

Unlike Fluminense, it’s the prospect of relegation Ceara have to worry about at this point. Currently in 15th place with 18 points, they are only a point above Goias in the danger zone, as well as Atletico Goianiense in 16th. Things are looking pretty bad for Juventude and Fortaleza who both have a considerable gap to overcome, but as for the rest of the teams involved, the race for safety promises to be a tense affair.

Ceara drew their last five league matches, it’s important to note, even though their last-six run includes clashes in other competitions as well that ended differently. It consists of a goalless draw away to Cuiaba, a 2-0 defeat away to Fortaleza in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, a 1-1 draw at home against Atletico Goianiense, a 1-2 triumph away to The Strongest in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, a 1-1 draw at home against Internacional, and a 3-0 win as they saw The Strongest out at home in the second leg of their clash.

In fact, Ceara haven’t lost a league game since early May, and the frequent draws are the obvious reason for their unenviable position in the table.

Team News

Ceara have just signed winger Jhon Vasquez from Deportivo Cali in Colombia, and coach Marquinhos Santos will likely pair him up with Stiven Mendoza on the attacking flanks, with Vina playing behind striker Ze Roberto.

Winger Erick recently underwent collarbone surgery and is consequently out of action at the moment. Goalkeeper Joao Ricardo is set to stand between the posts again as he has recovered from a COVID-19 infection, as have striker Cleber and left-back Bruno Pacheco.

Conclusion

This match promises to be a hugely exciting one, with loads of attacking football, chances, and probably goals. Ceara will do what they can to avoid defeat again, and having fared well enough away from home recently, they won’t be too shy when they take to the Maracana pitch.

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: Unibet