Fluminense vs Grêmio Prediction: Both teams need points

Fluminense and Grêmio have spent much of the season in or near the relegation zone, and it's only recently that the situation for both teams has improved, although they still can't relax. Fluminense is in 13th place with 36 points, two points above the Z4, while Grêmio is two places above with two more points.

After three straight wins that lifted the club out of the relegation zone, Fluminense lost 2-1 away to direct opponent Vitória. The Baianos' winning goal came from Alerrandro in the 91st minute from the penalty spot. Losing like that is always painful, but Mano Menezes' men must remain determined to avoid relegation. Grêmio is a historically tricky opponent for Fluminense, and this year, the two teams have met three times. The Cariocas eliminated Grêmio in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16, of course, but this season, they've won one match and lost the other two.

The Immortal beat Atlético Goianiense 3-1 at home in a game where the visitors opened the score. However, Soteldo equalized in the 40th minute, and the Gaúchos went into the second half more confident. Pepê made it 2-1 in the 59th minute, and Villasanti sealed the final result in the 83rd minute. Atlético is in last place, so Grêmio couldn't afford to fail, especially after losing to rival Internacional in the previous round. The Porto Alegre team will go to the Maracanã looking to pick up a point at least.

In the three meetings between the two sides this season, Grêmio has won two and Fluminense one. Two of them were in the Copa Libertadores, but Fluminense's victory was decisive in qualifying for the quarter-finals. This game comes when both clubs have improved their position in the table, although they still can't feel comfortable. Nobody will want to lose in this match because points are precious as the Brasileirão draws to a close. I'm betting on a game with no more than two goals. Eight of Fluminense's last ten fixtures ended with less than three goals scored.