Nautico vs Fluminense KO 3:00PM EST
Location: Estadio dos Alfitos
This game pits two teams the media had predicted this season to do two different things. Fluminense were suppose to be challenging for the Copa Libertadores spot with the line up they posses. Nautico were suppose to struggle but yet have defied expectations with some intriguing performances thus far. The build up to this match couldn’t of been more fitting for either side because they both have their own agendas.
Nautico are riding high in their first 3 matches. Started the season with an amazing comeback from being 3-1 down on the road to Goias, then they followed that display with a convincing 2-0 win over Cruzeiro at home. Then last week, when Atletico Panaraense looked to have sealed the deal with a 2-0 lead at HT, a second half blitz from the Recife side saw them make another dramatic come back only this time they won 3-2. The squad is on a high right now, their bitter rivals Sport are struggling so this is the perfect time for the club to take advantage of their rivals situation and become the Kings of Recife. Though Nautico is a smaller team, they are definitely going to break most teams on the counter and out run them. However, this match key striker Gilmar is out injured so in comes young forward Iessa who has blistering pace.
Fluminense is in quite a big mess. During midweek Diguinho was attacked by one of the ultra’s in a training session, all hell broke loose as riot police had to be used and a shot was signaled for a warning. Fluminense captain and goal keeper Fernando Henrique commented on the situation and felt the guard did the right thing by shooting a loaded gun. From this moment, the Fluminense board launched a policy where they would not give out free tickets to any of the Ultras. Was the matter closed? Unfortunately not, Fernando Henrique when public again and said the board’s decision to cancel the free tickets to the Ultras was wrong. By opening his mouth, he is suspended for this match. Manager Carlos Alberto Perriera is starting to feel the heat, if he loses this match than you can soon expect a new manager in place. The purchase of Fred was suppose to revive Fluminense but so far there has been very little action. Thiago Neves is leaving the club and won’t be long till other players follow suit when the European transfer market opens. All 3 Rio teams, Botafogo, Flamengo and now Fluminense seem to be searching for answers. They thought they had figured it out during the regionals but so far in league play Fluminense has just been awful. Fluminense offense has been goaless in their last two matches on the road, there is a lack of creativity and now harmony is shot.
Both these teams going in opposite directions. The Estadio dos Alfitos will be rammed packed for this match, many of my friends will be there at the game. A team that is currently on a high is far more likely to win than a team that is searching for answers and has internal issues that need to be dealt with. Don’t be surprised if you see some of the Fluminense players just give up in a response to the mid-week fiasco.
Projected Line-ups:
Nautico: Eduardo; Gladstone, Vágner Silva, Asprilla e Wellington; Júnior Carioca, Derley, Johnny, Carlinhos Bala; Kuki e Anderson Lessa.
Fluminense: Ricardo Berna, Diogo, Edcarlos, Luiz Alberto e João Paulo; Wellington Monteiro, Marquinho, Carlos Eduardo, Darío Conca; Thiago Neves e Fred.
Prediction: Nautico 2-0 Fluminense
Here is the video of the midweek fiasco between fans and Fluminense players
Welcome to the Estadio dos Alfitos!
