Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The 2024 Copa Libertadores group stage is almost over and our South American expert Nathan Joyes provides his Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

The champions are on track to protect their title and currently sit in top spot in Group A. A win would confirm their place in the knockout stage. Cerro Porteno are fighting to join the Serie A side and any points at the Maracana could prove to be invaluable.

In this article:

• Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Tip 1: Fluminense to win and under 3.5 goals
• Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Tip 2: Fluminense to Win by One Goal
• Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Tip 3: German Cano to score anytime

Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction 1: Brazilians to record the win

Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Thursday, May 16th, 01:30 (UK)

It’s not been an overly promising campaign so far for the Champions, but they do sit top of Group A and one more win will see them secure a knockout place.

Fernando Diniz’s side have underperformed massively in their domestic campaign and perhaps have been a touch fortunate that their group hasn’t been the strongest. However, they are on track to qualify, which is all you can ask at this stage.

This will be just their second home match at the Maracana, having previously beaten Colo Colo 2-1. Fans haven’t been impressed with Diniz this season, but this is an opportunity to help win them over.

Their visitors haven’t won on the road this season, drawing one and losing the other, and a trip to the Maracana will not be in their best interest.

Despite Fluminense not performing at their usual standard, the Maracana is still a place where they dominate, especially in the Libertadores against non Brazilian teams.

Cerro Porteno are performing well domestically, but there’s a huge gulf of quality between Brazilian and Paraguayan teams, and at home Fluminense they should get the job done whilst keeping their opponents chances limited.

• Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction 1: Fluminense to win and under 3.5 goals
• Best Odds: 1.90
• Bookmaker: Unibet
• Stake: 7/10

Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction 2: Tight game anticipated

Although I expect Fluminense to pick up the three points, they haven’t found their stride in 2024 compared to how they attacked the previous campaign.

In fact, of the four matches they have won since the beginning of the campaign across all competitions, three of those have been by a single goal.

The other was only two, and that came against Serie B side Sampaio Correa in the Copa do Brasil. 

Flu sold centre-back and captain Nino to Zenit in the most recent transfer window, and his presence has been missed. A defender which likes to win the ball, step out and play from the back has been replaced by a more conservative one, which has restricted the pace of their play.

Andre, their star central midfielder, has been out injured all season, and his presence in the heart of the team has been sorely missed. 

Flu are making it work, but with an ageing squad we are noticing how last year’s hectic schedule is catching up with them. They have the quality to win this against inferior opponents, but it won’t be quite as entertaining as many would expect.

• Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction 2: Fluminense to Win by One Goal
• Best Odds: 3.50
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction 3: Argentine to fire home

German Cano won the Libertadores Golden Boot last campaign and is up and running after his goal against Colo Colo. 

The 36-year-old striker may not have started the 2024 season as well as he did last year, however, Fluminense are still reliant on him to get them through matches.

A goal at the Americana against Atletico Mineiro would have done him the world of good. With John Kennedy still yet to win back his place after disciplinary issues, Cano will continue to lead the line.

With the likes of Jhon Arias, Ganso, Martinelli and Marquinhos supporting the Argentine, Cano should receive plenty of opportunities in and around the box. If found in the right place, he’s still one of the most lethal strikers in the competition.

With Fluminense’s form beginning to pick up, they should create against Cerro Porteno and Cano will be waiting in the wings to add another goal to his tally.

• Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction 3: German Cano to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 2.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, May 13th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Team News and Possible Lineups: Brazil’s hectic schedule creating headaches

As the Brazilian campaign always is, Fluminense’s endless fixtures are racking up already. Facing Sao Paulo two days prior to this fixture, Fernando Diniz has decisions to make regarding what he prioritises.

With an ageing squad, and after a poor domestic start to the campaign, it might not be long before the board pull the trigger and it’s up to the Brazilian to prioritise certain competitions.

Being without Andre has cost him, as the central midfielder was key to their success last year. On loan forward Marquinhos from Arsenal has shown glimpses and is likely to start up front alongside German Cano, but more is needed from him if Flu are to improve on the pitch.

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
  Fabio; Marcelo, Felipe Melo, Manoel, Martinelli, Lima, Arias, Ganso, Douglas Costa, Marquinhos, Cano

Cerro Porteno possible starting lineup:
  Jean; Arzamendia, Eduardo Brock, Baez, Benitez, Piris, Morel, Iturbe, Peralta, Dominguez, Diego Churin

Match Stats: Group A not one for the neutral

• Fluminense’s four Libertadores matches have produced just six goals to date.
• Cerro Porteno’s four Libertadores games have produced four goals so far.
• The previous head-to-head in Paraguay finished 0-0.

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