Verdict: Mirassol draw no bet
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who have their sights set on clinching their own respective Copa Libertadores tickets this season, Mirassol will welcome Fluminense to Sao Paulo in the early hours of Thursday.
Mirassol
Starting with the hosts, while Mirassol might have rightfully received a string of plaudits since making their iconic Serie A return this season, it is fair to say that Rafael Guanaes’ side are seeking a recent boost. Last seen falling to a routine 3-0 drumming away at Corinthians, the Yellows have mustered just a single point from any of their previous three top-flight appearances. Nevertheless, sat in the driving seat to punch a sensational Copa Libertadores ticket this year, Mirassol have gained a reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. Including a thumping 5-1 victory against Bahia on August 31st, Guanaes’ camp are unbeaten in all of their last 12 straight showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to the end of February.
Mirassol Team News
Both shown costly bookings away at Corinthians last weekend, the duo of Jose Aldo and former Guarani defender Lucas Ramon will miss out through suspension here. However, serving his own domestic suspension last time out, ex-Cruzeiro midfielder Neto Moura will return to Guanaes’ squad.
Despite failing to find the net in any of his previous five Serie A appearances, Alesson could be handed a full recall in the final third. Despite turning 36 last week, veteran defender Reinaldo will keep his spot at left-back.
Fluminense
As for the visitors, despite suffering major Copa Sudamericana heartbreak last month as they fell to a 2-1 aggregate defeat against Argentinian outfit Lanus, Fluminense are enjoying a major domestic romp. Last seen putting in a dominant display as they cruised their way to a routine 3-0 victory at home against Atletico Mineiro, Luis Zubeldia’s side have come skyrocketing up the Serie A standings. Knowing that they can move within touching distance of the Copa Libertadores spots here, the one-time Alaves boss has seen his squad muster 10 points from their previous four Serie A showdowns. However, facing what will certainly be a rugged test here, Fluminense have struggled to find any real fluidity on their travels. In fact, Thursday’s guests have recorded just a sole domestic win away from the Maracana since the end of July.
Fluminense Team News
Shown a costly late booking against Atletico Mineiro last weekend, Colombian striker Kevin Serna will miss out through suspension here. Not featuring over the past month and still dealing with a recent calf issue, veteran midfielder PH Ganso remains a major doubt in midweek.
While defensive talisman Thiago Silva might have turned 41 last month, the former PSG ace will start at the heart of Zubeidia’s defence. Making a first domestic start since the end of July last week, John Kennedy will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line.
Mirassol vs Fluminense Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Sao Paulo will be the first competitive meeting between Mirassol and Fluminense.
- Mirassol are unbeaten in all of their last 12 straight showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to the end of February.
- However, the Yellows have recorded just a sole clean sheet from their last six matchups in Sao Paulo.
- Thursday’s guests have recorded just a sole domestic win away from the Maracana since the end of July.
- Fluminense have bagged seven goals in their previous three Serie A appearances.
Conclusion
Two camps who have their sights firmly set on booking their own respective Copa Libertadores tickets this year, we look set for what could easily be a season-defining showdown from Sao Paulo. While Fluminense might have found a recent clinical edge, they will meet a Mirassol squad who have continued to shatter a string of records this campaign. Remarkably unbeaten in all of their last 12 consecutive matchups in front of their own supporters, the Yellows will be confident of collecting another heavyweight Serie A scalp in the early hours of Thursday.
Verdict: Mirassol draw no bet
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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