Coritiba vs Fluminense Prediction: Can Coritiba continue their positive momentum?

Coritiba has managed to climb out of the bottom spot they occupied for most of the league. With seven points won in the last three rounds, the Coxa has gained the confidence that it was lacking. The team had only managed four points in the first twelve matches of the Brasileirão. Taking at least one point against the strong Fluminense team would be positive for the Parananenses, but it won't be easy. Flu can equal their rivals Flamengo in third place in case of victory. Sampaoli's side drew at the Maracanã with América-MG, the last ranked team. This result serves as a warning to Fluminense. Any team in the Brasileirão, even if poorly placed, can take points from the best teams.

The first win in the Brasileirão against Goiás in Round 13 took a big weight off the players' shoulders. It was followed by another important victory against a direct competitor, América, and in the last round, Coritiba got a draw away to Cruzeiro. It is now three games in a row without suffering a defeat. Not bad for a team that seemed doomed to the Série B. The next opponent, Fluminense, is superior to the last opponents that Coritiba has faced, so it will be a good test to check the real value of the Coxa. Tradition shows that the Paranaenses are superior to the Cariocas when playing at home in the Brasileirão. Coritiba has won 12 times, Fluminense has won only 3, and there have been 7 draws.

The team of Fernando Diniz, who is also currently the coach of Brazil, can climb to the G4 in case of victory. Currently in sixth place with 25 points, Flu can catch Flamengo and Palmeiras, who have 28 points. In the last round, there was a clássico at the Maracanã with a 0-0 draw against historical rival Flamengo. The Tricolor now needs an away win, which has eluded it for two months. This game with Coritiba looks more complicated now than it would have been a few rounds ago. The home team is much more confident now. A major absence will be Argentine goal scorer Germán Cano, who saw his third yellow card.

I am leaning towards a surprise in this game, as in Round 16, there have been several already, with small teams making life hard for the big ones. Coritiba is confident, and tradition is also on its side. On the other hand, Fluminense has not won away for quite some time. I'm going for a double chance, with Coritiba winning and a draw.