Fluminense are set to take on Olimpia at the Maracana in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-final on Thursday evening.
It is the second year in a row the two teams have met in the Copa Libertadores, with Olimpia progressing in the playoff round in the last match back in March 2022.
Match preview
Fluminense are currently sitting fourth in the Brasileiro, just two points behind second-placed Palmeiras, but they are 14 points behind league-leaders Botafogo, who look set to win the league title barring a major dip in form.
Tricolor Flu Fluzao have not been prolific in front of goal in the Brasileiro, scoring just 28 goals so far this season, the fewest of any side in the top six, but they are still very much in the running to qualify for next season's Copa Libertadores.
For now, however, Fernando Diniz's side are focussed on their current Copa Libertadores campaign, having topped Group D and defeated Argentinos Juniors over two legs to reach this stage of the competition, courtesy of some late heroics in the second match.
It is fair to say Fluminense dominated proceedings, given that they had 70% of the possession, but they did not break the deadlock until the 86th minute, when Samuel Xavier proved to be the saviour, before John Kennedy added another in stoppage time for good measure.
Diniz's side have been solid at home this season, boasting the second-best record on their own patch in the Brasileiro, and they won their last match at the Maracana 3-1, defeating America MG, which the manager will be hoping is the perfect preparation for Thursday night.
Olimpia have gotten off to a very poor start in the Clausura of the Paraguayan Primera Division, currently sitting 11th in the table, having taken just six points from their opening seven games.
It is a little surprising to see El Decano struggle, as they were a force to be reckoned with last season, reaching the Copa Libertadores after winning the Clausura and collecting 49 points in 22 games.
The main issue for manager Francisco Arce is his side's defensive record, having conceded 13 goals in seven games, the joint-second highest amount in the division, but they have started to improve in recent weeks.
Olimpia are now undefeated in their last four games, defeating Flamengo in sensational style to reach this stage of the competition, having overturned a one-goal deficit in the first leg by winning 3-1 in the second leg in Asuncion.
El Decano are now tasked with beating another Brazilian side, but they will know they are capable of doing so, having defeated Thursday's opponents over two legs last season.
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Team News
Fluminense left-back Marcelo was withdrawn after just 12 minutes last time out as a result of an injury, meaning Diogo Barbosa could come into the side, having featured in the team regularly in recent weeks after overcoming an injury issue of his own.
Diniz made some game-changing substitutions against America MG, which ultimately won his side the match, and Kennedy is poised to come into the side after scoring the equalising goal, with Lima dropping to the bench.
Arce also tinkered with his Olimpia side in the last match, bringing youngsters Diego Torres and Alan Esteche off in the first half, so it would not be a surprise if the duo are replaced, with Hugo Fernandez and Fernando Cardozo coming into the side.
Striker Facundo Bruera is one of the key players to look out for, given the part he played in helping the Paraguayan club progress in the last round of the Copa Libertadores, scoring the winning goal.
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Xavier, Nino, Melo, Barbosa; Andre, Kennedy, Ganso; Arias, Keno, Cano
Olimpia possible starting lineup:
Frutos; Salazar, Romana, Viera, Fernandez; Torres, Quintana, Gomez, Cardozo; Ayala, Bruera
We say: Fluminense 2-0 Olimpia
Fluminense have been fantastic at home all season, while the visitors have not been in the best of form on their travels, having drawn two and lost three of their last five matches on the road.
With that in mind, we expect the hosts should be able to build up a healthy lead ahead of the second leg in Asuncion at the beginning of September.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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