Flamengo vs Fluminense Prediction: The eternal Fla-Flu could decide the Copa Guanabara winner

The two rivals are level at the top of the Copa Guanabara, the regular stage of the Campeonato Carioca, with just two rounds left to play. Despite having the same 21 points, Flamengo has the advantage due to a better goal difference. Both teams have already qualified for the competition's semi-finals, but the aim is to finish first, lift the Guanabara Cup, and win the Fla-Flu classic. In the 378 times they have met, Flamengo has won 137 games and Fluminense 119. The classic has ended in a draw 122 times.

The Vulture had no problem beating Boavista 4-0 in its last game, further widening the goal difference gap over Fluminense, which only won Madureira 1-0. Flamengo scored 18 goals and only conceded one against Nova Iguaçu in one of the three draws the Scarlet-Black registered in the competition. Tite's side is full of confidence, and if Flamengo beats its rival, it will most likely finish the regular season in first place. 

The Tricolor, Copa Libertadores winner, is currently contesting the Recopa Sudamericana with Liga de Quito, Copa Sudamericana winner. Fluminense lost the first leg 1-0 in Ecuador, letting the tie slip away in the 92nd minute with a goal from Arce. The classic with Flamengo comes in the middle of two matches in the South American competition, making it difficult for Fluminense's players, who are under a high physical load at the start of the season. After playing at an altitude of 2,800 meters in Quito, Fluminense doesn't have much time to recover for the decisive match against its rival. It will take a massive effort to win the Fla-Flu.

Flamengo has the edge over Fluminense in the competition due to a superior goal difference. The fact that Tite's team has only conceded one goal so far demonstrates the team's solidity. Fluminense is coming back from a defeat in Ecuador and may be tired. The Recopa Sudamericana second leg against Liga de Quito is a few days away, and it remains unknown whether Fernando Diniz will field his usual team in the classic or rest some players. I'm betting on a draw. The result suits Flamengo, and it's probably an outcome that will satisfy Tite.