Cerro Porteño vs Fluminense Prediction: The title holder will defend first place in Asunción

Copa Libertadores Group A is very balanced, and anything can still happen. Colo-Colo and Alianza Lima have already played on Matchday 3 and drew 0-0. Fluminense currently leads with four points from two games, the same as Colo-Colo, which has already played three matches. Cerro Porteño sits in third place with three points and a game in hand, followed by Alianza Lima with two points from three games. Cerro Porteño has reached the competition's semi-finals six times and, therefore, has a say in a group where Fluminense and Colo-Colo are the favorites. The Brazilians go to Paraguay to defend their position at the group top.

Cerro Porteño

The Cyclone has one win and one defeat so far. In the first match of the group, in Santiago, Cerro Porteño lost 1-0 to Colo-Colo with a goal conceded in the 94th minute. On Matchday 2 in Asunción, it was the Paraguayans' turn to win 1-0 against Alianza Lima with a 96th-minute goal from Carrizo. The Blue and Red can go top of the group if they beat Fluminense, but they have to play a perfect game, especially defensively. Cerro Porteño must block the Brazilians' creativity.

Fluminense

The Tricolor finally got its first victory in the Brasileirão in Round 3. It was 2-1 against rival Vasco at the Maracanã with goals from Ganso and Martinelli. Diniz's team relieved some of the pressure but now has a tricky game in Paraguay against Cerro Portenõ. Some of the club's players didn't travel for disciplinary reasons, but they are substitutes, although John Kennedy plays somewhat frequently. Fernando Diniz expects commitment from his players, and this match could be decisive towards qualifying for the knockout stage. If Fluminense wins, it will be top of the group with a three-point lead.

Expert Betting Tips

The game should be balanced, as so far this season, Fluminense hasn't reached a high level. Cerro Portenõ will have the support of its home crowd and could cause problems for the Brazilians. I'm betting on a game with a maximum of two goals in the match. The Paraguayans have one goal scored and one conceded in two games, and Fernando Diniz, Fluminense's coach, probably doesn't need to take too many risks either.