Saturday's Brasileiro predictions including Santos vs. Flamengo

Fluminense vs. Corinthians (Saturday, 8.30pm)

Just three points off top spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Corinthians visit Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, to take on Fluminense at the iconic Maracana.

After a pair of goalless draws over the past week - including their latest foray in the Copa Libertadores - the visitors now encounter a home side still savouring their derby win last weekend.

We say: Fluminense 2-1 Corinthians

A tough run of luck with injuries and a recent lack of goals means that Corinthians should start as outsiders - particularly away at the Maracana. Therefore, Flu can grasp their chance to close the gap between the teams down to just two points.

Juventude vs. Atletico Mineiro (Saturday, 8.30pm)

Reigning champions Atletico Mineiro continue their defence of the Campeonato Brasileiro crown on Saturday, as they visit struggling Juventude at Estadio Alfredo Jaconi.

While fifth-place Atletico had won three games on the spin before being held in the Copa Libertadores this week, Juve have won just twice so far this term and are mired inside the relegation zone.

We say: Juventude 0-2 Atletico Mineiro

Despite a recent reshuffle in attack, Juventude have been lightweight up front this season, so have turned to a more defensive approach under new management. However, the attacking options available to Atletico are far superior, and they should post a third straight Serie A win without too much trouble.

Santos vs. Flamengo (Saturday, 11.00pm)

Separated by just one point in the Serie A standings, Campeonato Brasileiro rivals Santos and Flamengo meet at Vila Belmiro on Saturday.

While the hosts have failed to win any of their last four outings, they retain the upper hand on Fla, who put together successive victories to end a sticky patch during much of June.

We say: Santos 1-2 Flamengo

Recent results have lifted the dark clouds gathering above Flamengo, and they can maintain their momentum by posting a third straight win to overtake Santos in the table - a wide range of attacking options can help the visitors score more than once.

Ceara vs. Internacional (Saturday, 11.00pm)

After experiencing mixed fortunes in midweek, Ceara and Internacional clash in the Campeonato Brasileiro on Saturday, at Castelao.

Despite a setback in continental competition, Inter are riding high in the Serie A standings, while their hosts are only two points above the relegation zone after four consecutive league draws.

We say: Ceara 1-1 Internacional

Both sides sit near the top of the defensive rankings following the first 14 rounds, and there is every reason to suspect a close-fought encounter could be in store. Another league draw may frustrate Ceara, but would prove a valuable point against top-six challengers.

Palmeiras vs. Athletico PR (Sunday, 1.00am)

The opening weekend of July will feature a champion vs champion showdown in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, as the reigning Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras host the victors of last season's Copa Sudamericana, Athletico Paranaense, on Saturday at Allianz Parque.

Palestra have not lost a domestic encounter since a 3-2 defeat at home to Ceara in their opening league fixture and are currently leading the table with 29 points, five more than Furacao, who are third.

We say: Palmeiras 2-0 Athletico Paranaense

The way Palmeiras have been playing, this might very well be a must-win game for Paranaense if they want a chance to catch the league leaders before the end of the campaign.

Both sides are as sharp as they come on the defensive side, but Palestra are rarely exposed at the back and are masters at finding those pockets of space in behind opposing wing-backs, which we believe they will take advantage of this weekend.