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Horse Racing Fluminense vs Internacional Bet Builder Tips, Stats, and Player Props: Copa Libertadores semi-final first leg
After winning both of his weekend bet builders, Nathan Joyes returns to analyse the Copa Libertadores semi-final first leg. Fluminense hosts Internacional on Thursday morning at 01:30 in an all-Brazilian clash, with Fernando Diniz’s side expected to edge ahead.
We have an anytime scorer, win selection and corners angle to read through below.
Bet Builder odds: 4.25
Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Thursday 28th September, 01:30 (UK)
Odds via bet365 as at 10:00 28th September 2023. Odds may now differ.
Fluminense vs Internacional Stats: Hosts form at Maracana unmatched
- Fluminense are unbeaten at home since 29th January 2023.
- Fluminense have won their last seven matches at the Maracana
- The hosts beat Internacional 2-0 in the Brasileiro back in July.
- German Cano has scored nine Copa Libertadores goals this campaign.
- Internacional have only won one of their last eight away matches.
Fluminense vs Internacional Bet Builder Tips: Cano can fire hosts into the final
German Cano to Score Anytime
Fluminense’s German Cano’s 2023 has been a year to savour. The 35-year-old forward scored 37 goals across all competitions in 2022 yet is already hunting that down with 33 in 2023. With nine goals in this year’s Libertadores, he leads the way for the Golden Boot and looks destined to win it. With Palmeiras’ Artur the only player still in the competition on five, German Cano will be looking to cement the individual award this week.
Having scored in both quarter-final legs against Olimpia, the Argentine continues to age like a fine wine and prove why he’s still the deadliest striker in South America. With Diniz ball in full flow at the Maracana, expect Cano to be a constant nuisance to Inter’s back line and score against them as he did back in July.
Fluminense will know a win is required in order to put some foot in the final. If they are to score, Cano will be the one waiting to feed on any given opportunity which falls his way.
Fluminense to Win
Within my South American columns, I’ve never shied away from how much I adore Fluminense. I’ve put them as my tracked selection in my Copa Libertadores/Sudamericana column – but for those of you who haven’t read that, I’ll explain why here.
For starters, Fluminense haven’t been beaten at the Maracana since January against Botafogo. They are unbeaten at home domestically and in the Libertadores, notching up seven home wins on the bounce.
In fact, they are 25 matches unbeaten in front of their supporters, winning 20 of those. Their insane record comes down to their style of play under Brazilian manager Fernando Diniz.
Allowing his players complete freedom in the opponent’s half makes it almost impossible to defend against. Swarming and targeting areas allows Fluminense to pass the ball quickly and efficiently into attacking areas – with only one team stopping their flow in 2023.
Inter came here in July and struggled to find any rhythm. They have been poor on the road throughout 2023, and Fluminense are a cracking price to add a 21st victory in just 26 matches.
Fluminense Over 5.5 Corners
With my prediction that Fluminense will come out on top and German Cano will find the back of the net, it makes sense to add their own corners to the bet builder.
As mentioned, their style of play allows their players to make inside runs behind opposing full-backs as they attack the penalty area. With Flu constantly looking to attack the channels and be direct, Inter will have to endure periods under the cosh, which should see the hosts rack up their corner count.
Even if Fluminense are 1-0 up, a second will put them into an incredible position for the second leg. So if Inter do not look threatening, expect Diniz’s side to go in for the kill.
This bet has landed in only five of Flu’s last eight home matches, but looking at how the game will play out compared to their previous fixtures, an aggressive style of play should serve them well.
Inter has also conceded six or more corners in four of their last five matches on the road, and it is likely to be a tough evening for them.
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