Fluminense vs Corinthians Prediction: Fluminense needs to climb the table

Due to its spectacular Copa Libertadores campaign, Fluminense relegated the Brasileirão to the background. The Cariocas' presence in the final, to be held in their home stadium, the Maracanã, was achieved in what was the season's major target. However, Fluminense's international success has not been replicated on the domestic front in the demanding Brazilian league. The Cariocas are in eighth place, 14 points behind leader Botafogo. The two rivals met in the last round, which was the Tricolor's last chance to break into the title race, but Botafogo's victory definitively ended Fluminense's slim chances.

Fernando Diniz's team is out of the title race but can still fight for direct qualification to the Copa Libertadores group stage. To do so, the Tricolor must finish the Série A in the top four. The schedule will intensify, with five games in the next two weeks, just before the final with Boca Juniors, making Fluminense's task even more complicated. Against Corinthians, only victory matters, even to forget the defeat at home to rival Botafogo.

The Timão drew 1-1 with Flamengo in the last round in the People's Classic. The point didn't improve the team's situation, as it sits in 14th place, four points off the relegation zone. Mano Menezes has a lot of work to do to improve his players' confidence, which was shaken after losing in the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals. Corinthians urgently needs points, which the team must focus on. A draw at the Maracanã would be an encouraging result for the Paulistas, enduring a very frustrating season.

In theory, Fluminense appears to be the favorite, but Corinthians is a big club, and that always matters. The defeat in the Clássico with Botafogo once again showed the negative side of Fernando Diniz's team. In the Brasileirão, the players don't seem to have the same motivation they've shown in the Copa Libertadores. I expect Corinthians to put up a good fight at the Maracanã. I'm betting on a draw.