Preview: Internacional vs. Fluminense - prediction, team news, lineups

There is nothing to split them heading into this match following a 2-2 draw last week, opening this game up completely.

Match preview

Internacional came back from behind in the first leg of this match to secure a 2-2 draw, but despite the fact things are level heading into this week they will have been disappointed with the first result.

Eduardo Coudet's men did not take full advantage of the situation that they were presented with due to the fact Fluminense went down to 10 men in the 45th minute after Samuel Xavier was sent off.

While Internacional went on to take the lead following goals by Hugo Mallo and Alan Patrick they failed to hold onto that result to take a lead into this match.

A 78th-minute goal from German Cano ensured that things would be level heading into this one, with everything being to play for in what will feel like a typical knockout football match.

However, the hosts will need a stronger performance than they managed during their most recent outing, which resulted in a 2-0 loss against Atletico Mineiro.

The visitors also come into this game on the back of a defeat, with the team falling to 10 men once again after Matheus Martinelli was shown a red card.

Fluminense were defeated 3-0 by Cuiaba which is something that will will be hoping to quickly put behind them as they push for a place in the final of the Copa Libertadores.

Fernando Diniz's team have not lost a game in the competition since reaching the knockout stages, scoring 10 goals across those five fixtures.

The attacking side of the game has been impressive for Fluminense throughout the entire season in all competitions, and the fact they sit higher than their opponents in the league table is something that should provide them with confidence.

The visitors picked up a 2-0 win during the last time they faced Internacional in the league, with Cano and Martinelli getting on the scoresheet, and repeating that feat would be welcomed.

Internacional Copa Libertadores form:

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L

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D

Internacional form (all competitions):

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D

W

L

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L

Fluminense Copa Libertadores form:

D

D

W

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W

D

Fluminense form (all competitions):

W

W

L

W

D

L

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Team News

Internacional are dealing with several injuries right now as Vitao is dealing with a knee problem, while Johnny has a sprained ankle.

On top of that Pedro Henrique has got an arm injury and Lucas Ramos is dealing with a knee issue, although both of those men could be in contention to return in the near future, which would be a welcome boost.

The visitors will be without Xavier in this match after he was sent off in the previous leg, and that could open up a chance for Marlon Santos to start this time at the back.

Fluminense are without Jhon Arias due to an ankle problem, meanwhile Gustavo Apis is also not going to be an option because of an ACL injury.

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Rochet; Bustos, Mallo, Mercado, Rene; Aranguiz, Gabriel, Mauricio, Wanderson; Henrique, Adriano

Fluminense possible starting lineup:

Fabio; Santos, Nino, Melo, Barbosa; Keno, Andre, Gomes, Lima; Kennedy, Cano

We say: Internacional 1-2 Fluminense

The two teams battled out to a draw in the previous leg, and there is no doubt that this will be another closely contested match due to how much is on the line here.

However, Fluminense might have enough attacking quality to edge their opponents to earn their place in the final.

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