Verdict: Fluminense win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Brazilian showdown in the early hours of Thursday, Fluminense will host historic rivals Corinthians at the Maracana.
Fluminense
Starting with the hosts, making an immediate return to winning ways last week as they secured a gritty 1-0 victory against Atletico Mineiro, Fluminense have their sights set on mounting a genuine title charge in 2026. Opening Thursday’s battle sat just three points adrift of top spot, Luis Zubeldia’s side will be confident of making another heavyweight statement here. Getting the New campaign underway with a 2-1 win against Gremio on January 28th, the former Sao Paulo boss should find the mood in his camp at a continued high. Winning three of their previous four Serie A appearances, Fluminense should also be excited by their extended success on home soil. Despite their Taca Guanabara heartbreak against Flamengo last month, Zubeldia’s have not lost a showdown at the Maracana within 90 minutes since back in September 2025.
Fluminense Team News
All still dealing with respective knee injuries, Fluminense will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Facundo Bernal, Matheus Reis and veteran striker German Cano in midweek.
Opening his Serie A account after bagging the winner against Atletico Mineiro last week, new recruit and ex-Lanus marksman Rodrigo Castillo will spearhead Zubeldia’s attack. Only arriving at the Maracana last month following a loan switch from Sao Paulo, Alisson should get some more minutes under his belt.
Corinthians
As for the visitors, getting the 2026 campaign underway with a shock 2-1 loss at home against Bahia on January 28th, Corinthians have shown plenty of cause for concern. Despite eventually clinging to a 1-1 stalemate against historic foes Flamengo last time out, Dorival Junior’s men have come under some serious scrutiny. Watching their Paulista adventure come to a disappointing end on February 28th as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against second-tier outfit Novorizontino, the former Brazil boss could find some increasing pressure on his shoulders. Failing to win any of their last seven consecutive appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes, Corinthians look set for what should be another tricky test when they travel to the Maracana in midweek.
Corinthians Team News
In what looks set to be a huge blow for Corinthians, attacking talisman and Dutch icon Memphis Depay lasted just 22 minutes against Flamengo last week before limping off with a suspected muscle issue.
Likewise, suffering yet another injury setback last month, 22-year-old Kaio Cesar remains on the sidelines and will not play any part here. However, unable to feature against his parent club last week, Flamengo loanee Allan will return to Junior’s travelling squad here.
Fluminense vs Corinthians Key Factors to Consider
- When Fluminense last welcomed Corinthians to the Maracana back in September 2025, Thursday’s guests claimed a shock 1-0 victory.
- However, Fluminense have not suffered a single Serie A defeat in front of their own supporters since that 1-0 loss six months ago.
- Corinthians have failed to win any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Fluminense have won three of their previous four Serie A appearances.
- Thursday’s guests have recorded just a single strike in their last three straight matchups on the road.
Conclusion
Making an immediate return to winning ways last week, Fluminense open Thursday’s showdown sat just three points adrift of climbing to the top of the Serie A standings. Winning three of their previous four top-flight showdowns, the midweek hosts will be confident of making a heavyweight statement at the Maracana. While Fluminense might have suffered a shock 1-0 loss when they last welcomed Corinthians to town back in September 2025, we are expecting a reverse outcome here.
Verdict: Fluminense win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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