Fortaleza vs Fluminense Prediction: The Cariocas urgently need a win

Fluminense is becoming increasingly isolated at the bottom of the Brasileirão. In the first game with Mano Menezes in charge, the Tricolor das Laranjeiras didn't lose but also didn't win. The Cariocas have just seven points and are four behind Atlético Goianiense, their closest opponent in the table. Vitória is in 16th place, just outside the relegation zone, with 12 points. Fluminense urgently needs victories to get out of the Z4.

The Lion of Pici is fearful at home and promises to be a complicated opponent for Fluminense. In seven home games, Fortaleza has won four and drawn three. One of the wins was 3-0 against defending champion Palmeiras. No team has won at the Arena Castelão in this Brasileirão. In their last match, Vojvoda's men lost 2-0 to Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro. The Cearenses played with ten players from the 39th minute after Hercules received a red card.

In Mano Menezes' debut as coach, Fluminense drew 1-1 with Internacional at the Maracanã. Midfielder André returned to the starting eleven after a long injury absence and added quality to the team. The downside is that André picked up his third yellow card of the season and won't be playing in Fortaleza. Left-back Diogo Barbosa is also suspended, which is another headache for the coach, as Marcelo is injured. There haven't been any relevant changes at Fluminense yet. Menezes arrived just a few days ago, and the style of play of the previous coach, Fernando Diniz, is still very much in evidence. The Tricolor fans are waiting impatiently for the market to open so that Thiago Silva can lead his team out of the last place.

Fortaleza is the clear favorite for this match. There has been a substantial difference in performance between the two teams, and the Cearenses haven't lost at home in the Brasileirão. Mano Menezes has a difficult mission ahead of him at the helm of Fluminense. The team still plays in Diniz's style, with short passing, but more dynamism is needed. There wasn't much of a difference in the first game under Menezes, but it's possible that against Fortaleza, there will be something new in Fluminense. That's why I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Fortaleza, with a maximum of three goals scored to prevent a possible improvement in the Cariocas' game