Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The 2024 Copa Libertadores group stage is finally back and we’ve rolled out our South American expert Nathan Joyes to enlighten us all with his Alianza Lima vs Fluminense prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

The champions travel to Peru for their opening group match against a side not known for winning many games at this stage of the competition, and Fernando Diniz has the perfect chance to start off with a win.

Fancy a look at Nathan’s Copa Lib outright predictions? Look no further: Copa Libertadores Preview

1. Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Tip 1: Fluminense and Under 3.5 Goals
2. Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Tip 2: John Kennedy to Score Anytime
3. Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Tip 3: Fluminense to Win Either Half and Under 3.5 Goals

Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction 1: Brazilians all class

Peru, Copa Libertadores, Thursday, April 4th, 01:30 (UK)

Six months ago, Fluminense lifted the Libertadores title for the first time in their history, and now they’re looking to defend their crown, starting with a trip to Peru.

The hosts finally ended their 30 match winless streak last year vs Paraguayan outfit Libertad, but were unable to build on that result. Alejandro Restrepo is now in charge and has a good reputation from his time in Colombia, but this will be his toughest job yet.

Since 2018, Alianza Lima has faced five Brazilians on home soil, losing four, drawing one, and only finding the back of the net in a 3-1 defeat vs Palmeiras. While there’s hope at the beginning of the tournament, the gulf in class should be evident to see on the night.

Fernando Diniz left his post as Brazil manager but remains in charge of Fluminense and was largely able to keep his squad together. Although an ageing one, they have too much class and anything but a win in Peru will be a huge disappointment for the Brazilians.

Alianza Lima is rarely embarrassed at home, despite not picking up results, and so adding under 2.5 goals to the bet builder makes a good-looking odds-against selection to kick off proceedings.

• Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction 1: Fluminense and Under 3.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 2.15
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction 2: Back the super sub

German Cano picked up the Libertadores golden boot in 2023 and was in sensational form, but that hasn’t continued so far in the early stages of the 2024 campaign.

His apprentice, John Kennedy, found his feet in the knockout stage, scoring four goals in the latter rounds of the competition – often from the bench.

However, with Cano underperforming, it appears that it will only be a matter of time before Diniz shows faith full-time in his talented striker, who has been one of the best finishers in the whole of South America.

Lyon came knocking in January, but no doubt Kennedy has his eyes set on a much higher ranked club.

With Alianza Lima playing three at the back, and with Fluminense likely to pull their players out of position, this will create opportunities for their young striker.

This year is an opportunity for Kennedy to show he is ready for a European move, and a goal in the first group match would be a good start for him.

• Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction 2: John Kennedy to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 3.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction 3: Flu to make their presence felt

For those looking to be slightly more cautious in the opening round, it makes sense to back Fluminense to win either half.

Alianza Lima held Athletico Paranaense last year and have often been proven sometimes difficult to entirely break down.

However, if Flu finds themselves chasing the game, you’re going to be backing a Brazilian team not only far superior, but one with a strong tactician in charge.

Diniz has revolutionised the way in which the modern game is played with his positionless approach. Overcrowding areas with his players often catches out weaker opponents, who find themselves chasing shadows as they progress the ball into attacking areas.

Flu will have spells of dominance in Peru, and although they might not blow them away, they are capable of pulling them apart and at least winning one half.

• Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction 3: Fluminense to Win Either Half and Under 3.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 1.87
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:00, April 1st, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Team News and Possible Lineups: G

Alianza Lima will go to battle without Adrian Arregui, an Argentine who has featured heavily since transferring across from Temperley in the off-season. His presence will be missed in the heart of the midfield, and it’ll create an opportunity for Fluminense to exploit.

Fluminense, on the other hand, head into the fixture with a full squad to choose from, which may create a headache for Diniz – but it’s a good one to have with a hectic schedule ahead of him.

Whether German Cano or John Kennedy will start will be one up for debate up until kick-off, but in behind the likes of Jhon Arias, Andre and Martinelli will be key players for Flu.

Alianza Lima possible starting lineup: Saravia; Garces, Zambrano, Ramos, Serna, Cabellos, Rodriguez, Castillo, Freytes, Waterman, Costa

Fluminense possible starting lineup: Fabio; Marcelo, Felipe Melo, Thiago Santos, Samuel Xavier, Martinelli, Andre, Ganso, Arias, Keno, Kennedy

Match Stats: Brazilians should start off with a win

• Alianza Lima hasn’t beaten a Brazilian team in their last five meetings in the Copa Libertadores (Drawing one, losing four).
• Fluminense only lost two away matches en route to winning their first title in 2023.
• John Kennedy scored four Libertadores goals last year in the knockout stage, including the winner in the final vs Boca Juniors.

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