Flamengo vs Fluminense Prediction: Fluminense is under massive pressure

The Fla-Flu derby is always hotly anticipated, and although the two rivals are not having a good season, the game is of fundamental importance. Flamengo is in fourth place and needs to win to get closer to the leading trio, while Fluminense is near the relegation zone and fighting hard for survival.

Filipe Luís got off to a good start with two wins in his first two games in charge of Flamengo. The new Scarlet-Black coach debuted with a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-finals against Corinthians. In the league, Flamengo won 2-0 against Bahia in Salvador with an excellent performance. There are many doubts about the starting eleven against Fluminense due to injuries, and players coming from international duty. The line-up will probably be different than usual, but confidence is high, and progress has been evident since Filipe Luís took the helm.

Mano Menezes will also be limited in his team formation, as there are injured players, while Marcelo and Keno are facing a ban. In its last game, Fluminense won 1-0 at home to Cruzeiro and left the relegation zone. However, Vitória, the first team inside the Z4, is just one point below, so peace of mind is far from being achieved. In the last eight games between the rivals, Fluminense hasn't won a single one and has scored just one goal. The Tricolor das Laranjeiras urgently need points, but to beat Flamengo, it needs to perform at a high level.

Fluminense has been struggling this year, especially against Flamengo. The teams have met four times this season, three times in the Campeonato Carioca and once in the Brasileirão, and Fluminense hasn't even managed to score a goal. Filipe Luís' start in charge of the Mengão is promising, so the team is confident for the derby. However, Flamengo will be missing several players and has to play the second leg of the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil this weekend. Fluminense can't count on Marcelo, and Thiago Silva is doubtful due to injury. Flamengo is the favorite, but I will risk a draw since anything can happen in a derby.