Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Brasileirão action is coming thick and fast and South American expert Nathan Joyes provides his Fluminense vs Vasco prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Fluminense have yet to win since their Recopa success, and have conceded four goals in their opening two matches. Fierce rivals Vasco began their campaign with a victory over Gremio, before just falling short to Bragantino on the road. 

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• Fluminense vs Vasco Tip 1: BTTS – Yes
• Fluminense vs Vasco Tip 2: German Cano to Score Anytime
• Fluminense vs Vasco Tip 3: Pablo Vegetti to Score Anytime

Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction 1: Visitors to expose weak defence

Brazil, Brasileirão, Saturday, April 20th, 20:00 (UK)

Since Fluminense won the Recopa Sudamericana, Fernando Diniz’s team has only won one of their last seven matches. They started the Serie A campaign with a 2-2 draw with Bragantino at the Maracana, before throwing away a lead to lose 2-1 on the road to Bahia. 

Goals haven’t been an issue, but defensively, they appear to struggle without their captain, Nino, who transferred to Zenit.

Vasco, on the other hand, started their campaign with a strong 2-1 win against Gremio before falling short against Bragantino 2-1 – a simply stunning strike from Vitinho was the difference.

Yet Vasco finished the game with an xG of 1.77 and 59% possession on the road. VAR ruled out a goal in the first half, and the club has started strong.

Under Ramon Diaz, Vasco has improved. They hammered Flu 4-2 at home as they survived relegation last season, as well as drawing the reverse fixture 1-1. With Diniz’s side conceding in their last four, including three goals in their last two home matches, Diaz will sense an opportunity to strike.

The fierce rivalry between the two sides should make this a more entertaining spectacle, but Vasco shouldn’t fear Flu on Saturday. If they get on the front foot and create as they have done so far, there’s no reason why they can’t find the back of the net.

• Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction 1: BTTS – Yes
• Best Odds: 1.95
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction 2: Argentine to strike once more

With Diniz continuing to switch between loanee Marquinhos and John Kennedy, last year’s Libertadores Golden Boot winner has been a consistent figure in the forward role.

Although German Cano is now 36, he remains as sharp as ever in front of goal. With two goals in his last three matches, including a smart header vs Colo Colo and an instinctive finish against Bahia, Cano shows no signs of slowing down. 

With Jhon Arias able to operate on either wing, who assisted Cano against Bahia, the Colombian is one of the best providers in the league and a major reason why the striker scored 40+ goals last campaign.

Cano has also played a minimum of 80 minutes in the last three matches, as Diniz prefers to leave his talisman on the pitch for as long as possible, rotating other attacking options instead.

Fluminense flourished when they provided Cano with opportunities last season, and although they appear to be struggling at present, if they can present chances to their Argentine forward, a win is around the corner.

• Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction 2: German Cano to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 2.30
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction 3: Vasco’s menacing striker

From one Argentine striker to another, Pablo Vegetti also continues to prove age is just a number. The 35-year-old was brought in from Belgrano last campaign to drag Vasco out of the relegation zone – and that’s exactly what he did.

Scoring ten league goals in 21 matches, Vegetti was the main reason as to why Vasco are still in the top flight for the 2024 campaign. With four goals in the pre-tournament state cup, including a brace vs Botafogo, the tall, powerful Argentine was on the scoresheet vs Bragantino midweek.

Vegetti is one of the more complete strikers in the league. Calm and composed from the penalty spot, a nightmare to handle in the air, as well as offering timely runs inside the box, not many have been able to control him since his arrival.

Fluminense have conceded two goals from set pieces, as well as allowing strikers to bulldoze their way directly through the defence in their opening two matches.

If that doesn’t change on Saturday, Vegetti will be rubbing his hands together and will be hoping to trouble Flu once again and score at the Maracana.

• Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction 3: Pablo Vegetti to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 3.25
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Fluminense vs Vasco Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, April 17th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Fluminense vs Vasco Team News and Possible Lineups: No Payet for the visitors

Dimitri Payet remains on the sidelines for Vasco with an ongoing knee injury and it remains unclear when the 37-year-old will return to the matchday squad. Gary Medel (36) will also miss the trip to the Maracana who remains absent from the squad due to personal reasons.

Fernando Diniz has no real injury concerns to worry about, although he may look to change personnel due to his team’s current form. The obvious candidates are new signing Douglas Costa and Libertadores winner John Kennedy, who have both had to be patient in the early stages of the season.

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Diogo Barbosa, Felipe Melo, Thiago Santos, Samuel Xavier, Martinelli, André, Ganso, Arias, Cano, Marquinhos

Vasco possible starting lineup:
Leo Jardim; Lucas Piton, Leo, Joao Victor, Paulo Henrique, Matheus Carvalho, Galdames, Sforza, David, Rossi, Vegetti

Match Stats: Goals Expected

• Fluminense and Vasco found the back of the net against each other in their two league head-to-head matches last campaign.
• Vasco won their most recent league match 4-2 as Vegetti scored to help keep them in Serie A.
• Fluminense have won just one of their last seven, keeping one clean sheet.

Fluminense Fixtures: Mineiro match stands out

• Vs Cerro Porteno (A)
• Vs Corinthians (A)
• Vs Sampaio Correa (A)
• Vs Atletico Mineiro (H)
• Vs Colo Colo (A)

Vasco Fixtures: A hattrick of away matches

• Vs Criciuma (A)
• Vs Fortaleza (A)
• Vs Athletico PR (A)
• Vs Vitoria (H)
• Vs Flamengo (H)

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