Preview: Fluminense vs. Atletico Goianiense - prediction, team news, lineups

Slumped inside the bottom four, Goianiense face a tough test against a Fluminense side targeting continental football.

Match preview

Sitting comfortably in seventh place, Fluminense will be looking to make the jump into the top six and therefore challenge for a Copa Libertadores position.

Results may have been patchy this season, but a return of 14 points from their first 10 matches represents a respectable start to the campaign.

Bouncing back from a run of two straight defeats in the league, Fluminense edged Atletico Mineiro in a breath-taking eight-goal thriller in midweek.

Triumphing 5-3 over Mineiro, Fluminense's fast-flowing football allowed them to blow their opponents away and come out on top.

For Goianiense, their attention remains fixed on getting out of a relegation scrap, after a troublesome start to the season saw them slip into the bottom four.

A win over fellow strugglers Avai last time out did help alleviate the pressure somewhat, but just two victories from their opening 10 matches has presented cause for concern.

Unlikely to get any better this weekend, given Goianiense's record on the road, the visitors are yet to win any of their four away games this season.

Picking up three points on the road for the first time this season could prove difficult for Goianiense, as they have not won away to Fluminense since September 2012.

Granted, their overall record against Fluminense does make for better reading, with Goianiense having won three of the last four meetings, while drawing the other one.

Fluminense Brasileiro form:

Fluminense form (all competitions):

Atletico Goianiense Brasileiro form:

Atletico Goianiense form (all competitions):

Team News

Without the hindrance of injuries heading into the weekend clash, Goianiense will likely turn to midfielder Wellington Rato, who socred a 92nd minute winner against Avai in midweek.

Goalkeeper Ronaldo will retain his place between the sticks, with Edson and Ramon partnering at the back.

Unlike their opponents, Fluminense are nursing a number of injuries at the moment, with Nino and Luan Freitas both absent for the weekend's match.

With the pair expected to return before the end of the month, Fluminense will be hoping their returns help alleviate the absences of Fred and Mario Pineida, who are likely to be out for a little longer.

Fluminense possible starting lineup:

Fabio; Xavier, Manoel, Braz, Cristiano; Arias, Wellington, Andre; Henrique; Ganso, Cano

Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:

Ronaldo; Hayner, Edson, Ramon, Jefferson; Freitas, Edson; Rato, Jorginho, Fernando; Churin

We say: Fluminense 2-0 Atletico Goianiense

Two sides in contrasting form, Fluminense will expect to take advantage of relegation-threatened Goianiense.

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