Fluminense vs 
Gremio KO 3:00PM EST
Location: Maracana
Fluminense Home Form: 2W 0D 1L
Gremio Road Form: 0W 0D 2L
A mid-table clash between two giants from their respective Cities. Fluminense representing Rio and Gremio representing Porto Alegre. There have been interesting news from both sides, Fluminense more internally, Gremio more on injuries. Points at home are precious for these clubs as neither team has won a game on the road yet this season, although Fluminense have managed 2 draws.
Fluminense has faced quite a turbulent week, after the fiasco with fans invading the training grounds and even confronting and physically attacking some of the Fluminense players, there is quite an internal war going on so far and could put an effect on the teams efforst on the pitch. Not only is there a conflict with the fans and board of directors but also amongst some of the players. Fred and Luiz Alberto got into a little schuffle during a training session. Frustration is boiling and it’s sad to see a team with so much potential take it out on themselves rather than against their opponents. Also have to remember that key player Thiago Neves is only at the club till July 4th when he will return to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia from his loan spell. So the remaining games are of extreme importance for Fluminense to get as much points as they can because replacing Thiago Neves will prove to be very difficult.
Gremio just seems to know how to play at home with pure confidence, yet they cannot get anything going for them on the road. Even in seasons prior, playing at the Olimpico was not a problem for them, but once they traveled they became rather vulnerable and it eventually is the difference maker from being Brasilerao champions. They come into this match having a Copa Libertadores game in 4 days against Caracas. The game is currently tied 1-1 on aggregate but the advantage goes to Gremio for securing that precious away goal and they will take that with them to the comforts of their home. Gremio will be without key players Douglas Costa, Ruy, and Rever thus moving to a 4-4-2 system rather than the 3-5-2 in which they started the season with.
Gremio’s mind could be on Caracas in 4 days time but they cannot keep “Sacrificing” games in or else if they do get knocked out of Copa Libertadores they will be too far back in the standings. Fluminense needs results fast or the fans will continue to pressure them. Time and time again these Rio teams are often put into a situation where their fans want more. The players know that another poor result could lead them to more unrest amongst fans. A win here for Fluminense will definitely cool down the pressure amongst fans and players and that is what will be predicted. Gremio have yet to prove they can win on the road and considering they do have the Copa game in 4 days it’s hard to see whether or not they come in here with the full intention of being physical. Last thing you want is to get an injury to a key player prior to a knockout match. Gremio’s road woes should continue on.
Projected Line-ups:
Fluminense: Ricardo Berna, Diogo, Edcarlos, Luiz Alberto e João Paulo; Wellington Monteiro, Marquinho, Darío Conca e Carlos Eduardo; Thiago Neves e Fred
Gremio: Marcelo Grohe; Willian Thiego, Léo, Rafael Marques e Fábio Santos; Túlio, Adilson, Tcheco e Souza; Maxi López e Alex Mineiro
Prediction: Fluminense 2-1 Gremio
Here is a clip of the small scuffle between Luiz Alberto and Fred
