Internacional vs Fluminense Predictions

Sunday’s Brazilian Serie A action sees Internacional doing battle with Fluminense. The hosts are expected to win the match with relative comfort.

Whilst the disappointment of falling just short in their title bid is still lingering, Internacional have still put in a truly fantastic campaign, considering they came into it as a newly promoted side that little was expected of. Standing 3rd with just two matches left to play, Colorado no longer have any chance of overtaking leaders Palmeiras but they’ve ensured that Copa Libertadores football will be coming to the Estádio Beira-Rio next year.

Whilst this match is of little importance in the grand scheme of things, after losing their last two matches, the hosts will be desperate to put on a show in what’s their last home game of the year, in order to avoid the season ending on a sour note. Having been excellent on home turf all season, winning 13 of the 18 games contested there, that’s something the side can be more than confident in achieving.

Meanwhile, 4 points above the drop zone, in all likelihood Fluminense will not be getting relegated but their recent form has been horrendous and has seen them drop down the table like a stone. Tricolor could still do with putting a couple of points on the board to ensure they retain their top flight status, but in their current shape it’s very difficult to see that happening.

The visitors were comfortably beaten 2-0 at Bahia in midweek and whilst that extended their 6 match winless run across all competitions, it was also the sixth match in a row in which they’ve failed to score a goal, with star striker Pedro’s serious knee injury leaving them blunt in attack. Having also lost 5 of their last 6 away games without scoring, Fluminense’s prospects certainly do not look bright coming into this trip and they travel with confidence at rock bottom.

Ultimately, Internacional have been a far stronger outfit than Fluminense have this season and that’s something more than reflected in the 23 point gap between the two in the standings. Man for man, Internacional are a more talented group than the visitors and with the crowd behind them, they’ve have to be regarded as huge favourites to win this fixture.

That trail of thought is something reflected in the prices on offer for a home win but far better value looks like being found in backing it being to nil. 7 of Internacional’s 13 home wins this season have came with a clean sheet and with Fluminense in such dire shape at both ends of the pitch, the hosts are likely to claim all 3 points with very few issues and we think they’ll run out 2-0 winners.