Fluminense will be looking to extend their unbeaten league run to six matches when they travel to Atletico Goianiense in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A on Wednesday.
The hosts have failed to win any of their last three matches, while the visitors have drawn all of their opening three league games on the road.
Match preview
Atletico Goianiense suffered their first league defeat of the 2021 season when they lost 2-1 away at table toppers Athletico Paranaense last weekend.
Eduardo Barroca's men took an early lead when Gabriel Baralhas curled in a brilliant effort from 25 yards out, however the hosts equalised on the stroke of half time when goalkeeper Fernando Miguel failed to keep out Matheus Babi's header.
The second half was a fairly even contest but it was Paranaense midfielder Christian who managed to score the winning goal in the 71st minute, heading in Abner Vinicius's curling cross from the left flank.
That result for the Dragons brought an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions to an end, and they now sit eighth in the league table, two points behind Wednesday's opponents Fluminense in sixth.
Goianiense – who were promoted to the top flight in 2019 – have only won two of their last six meetings against Fluminense, but a victory in midweek could see them move into the top four.
As for Fluminense, they remain unbeaten in the league so far this campaign but had to settle for their third successive away point last weekend, as they played out a 1-1 draw against Fortaleza.
After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken in the 56th minute when Caio Paulista's close-range finish from an inswinging corner gave the visitors the lead.
However, Fortaleza – who dominated the match with 63% possession and 16 shots on goal – equalised 13 minutes later when Robson pounced brilliantly onto Yago Pikachu's low-driven cross into the six-yard box.
Roger Machado's men currently sit sixth in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table, three points behind league leaders Athletico Paranaense.
Fluminense have lost both of their previous away meetings with Atletico Goianiense – going down 3-1 and 2-1 in September and December 2020 respectively – but a victory on Wednesday would see them extend their unbeaten league run and could move them to the top of the table.
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Team News
Atletico Goianiense pair Eder and Ronald both remain out with respective muscle and thigh injuries, though midfielder Maranhao is back from a one-match suspension and is in contention to start.
Barroca is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which he has used for every league game so far this campaign.
Both Janderson and Natanael are likely to provide width from the flanks, with Ze Roberto set to lead the line up front.
Fluminense midfielder Hudson and defender Samuel Xavier are both ruled out with respective knee and thigh injuries.
Centre-back Nino started ahead of Manoel last weekend and could keep his place in the first XI, while Matheus Martinelli may be joined in central midfield by either Andre or Wellington Martins.
Former Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham United attacker Nene is set to start in the number 10 role behind striker Fred, with former Hull City forward Abel Hernandez expected to begin the game on the bench once again.
Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:
Miguel; Dudu, Silva, Oliveira, Da Silva; Freitas, Maranho; Janderson, Joao Paulo, Natanael; Ze Roberto
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Marcos; Calegari, Nino, Claro, Egidio; Andre, Martinelli; Paulista, Nene, Teixeira; Fred
We say: Atletico Goianiense 1-1 Fluminense
Both Atletico Goianiense and Fluminense failed to win their last league match and will be keen to bounce back with three points on Wednesday.
However, with little to separate the two sides, a score draw could be on the cards at the Estadio Antonio Accioly.
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