Fluminense vs Corinthians Prediction: The two giants fight for survival

The Brasileirão is such a tough competition that it's not uncommon to see big clubs relegated to the Série B. Fluminense and Corinthians are in deep trouble this season and occupy positions in the relegation zone. The next game is much anticipated and is like a final for both clubs.

The Tricolor das Laranjeiras is living intense days as it fights to avoid relegation and, at the same time, defends its Copa Libertadores title. The Cariocas lost 2-1 away to Grêmio in the first leg of the Round of 16 and must win the second leg if they want to dream of lifting the trophy again. The knockout will be decided a few days after the game against Corinthians, so anxiety is high among the players. Ganso and Arias can't play against Timão because they picked up their third yellow card, just like coach Mano Menezes, who won't be able to sit on the bench. Fluminense is in 18th place with 20 points and one game in hand, one point behind Corinthians and Vitória, who is outside the Z4 in 16th place.

The Paulistas defeated Bragantino 2-1 on the road in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 and took a big step towards qualification. Corinthians had already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil and can repeat the feat in the international competition. In the Brasileirão, the Timão drew at home, also against Bragantino, managing to equalize towards the end of the game. Success in the cups keeps the players dreaming, and the team will travel to Rio de Janeiro confident of getting a positive result in a crucial match.

It's a game between two historic clubs in Brazilian football, who are going through delicate times. Fluminense and Corinthians are just one point from each other in the relegation zone, a long way from their rivals. Both teams have improved recently after changing coaches, but there's still a lot of work to do if they want to move into comfortable positions. Fluminense won't be at full strength, and Corinthians can take advantage of that, so I'm betting on a draw.