Fluminense vs Flamengo Prediction: The opposites meet in the Fla-Flu derby

The Brasileirão is the most unpredictable league in the world, and this year's edition is no exception. Fluminense, the current holder of the Copa Libertadores, is at the bottom of the table, accompanied by Vasco da Gama, Corinthians, and Grêmio in the relegation zone. The Tricolor's coach, Fernando Diniz, is under intense pressure, and a bad result in the Fla-Flu derby could leave Diniz in no condition to continue. Flamengo is in the first place and very motivated, making it hard for Fluminense.

The team from the Laranjeiras neighborhood is going through a difficult period and is sinking further down the table. Against Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte, Fluminense fielded a team with many absences due to injuries and suspensions and lost once again, this time 2-0. The Cariocas, as usual, had most of the possession but failed to create clear goalscoring opportunities. The Fluminense's pace continues to be very slow and easy to defend against. Without Ganso and Marcelo, the team's attacking play becomes predictable, and its lack of confidence makes it virtually impossible to win. Against the greatest rival, the prospects are not the best, so Fluminense will need a different attitude to get a good result.

The Scarlet-Black managed to overcome a tricky opponent and climbed to first place. Flamengo knew how to suffer withstanding Bahia's possession and had the patience and faith to win. In the 24th minute, Gerson opened the score with a shot from outside the area after a fine collective move, but the Baianos replied in the 35th minute through Everaldo. Tite changed the team structure and brought on Bruno Henrique and Gabriel Jesus to increase the speed, but the game remained balanced. Even so, Flamengo always believed in the victory, and David Luíz headed home the winning goal in the last minute after a corner kick, causing the Maracanã to erupt with joy. The Mengão will now go into the derby in first place and very confident. 

It's a derby, a classic, and always an exciting game. The two rivals have met on three occasions this year, all in the Campeonato Carioca. Flamengo won two games, and the other ended in a draw, with Fluminense failing to score in all three meetings. The Brasileirão leader is naturally the favorite against the bottom of the table, but more factors could determine the outcome of the Fla-Flu. One of them is the wounded pride of Fluminense. The last game between the two teams ended in a draw, and that's the result I'm betting on.