Fluminense vs Cerro Porteño Prediction: If the Brazilians win, they guarantee qualification

Fluminense is having a horrible start to the Brasileirão and is surprisingly in the relegation zone. In six Série A games, Fernando Diniz's team has only won one match and conceded twelve goals, making it the worst defense in the competition. In the Copa Libertadores, the Tricolor's behavior has been different. In first place with eight points, three more than Cerro Porteño, the Brazilians will guarantee qualification for the knockout stage if they beat the Paraguayans.

The defeat at the MorumBIS against São Paulo has shaken the confidence of the Fluminense fans, who are worried about seeing their team in the relegation zone. Criticism of coach Fernando Diniz, who led the club to its first Copa Libertadores last year, is starting to mount. Diniz unexpectedly decided to field a secondary team against São Paulo, possibly to ensure that the best players were in the best condition to face Cerro Porteño. The Cariocas must win to take some of the pressure off themselves. 

The Cyclone is second in Paraguay's Primera División, two points behind Libertad. Cerro Porteño drew its last game at home to third-placed Olimpia. In the Copa Libertadores, the Asunción side is second in the group with five points. The draw in Lima against Alianza on Matchday 4 allowed Cerro to stay in a position to qualify. The Paraguayans have two points more than Alianza and one more than Colo-Colo, the team they host on the final day. Any point gained at the Maracanã would be welcome.

Fluminense has been consistent in the Copa Libertadores, unlike in the Brasileirão. A victory qualifies the champion for the next stage, and it has every chance of doing so. Some important players didn't play against São Paulo to be in better physical condition for the game with Cerro Porteño, which increases the chances of the Brazilians winning. Cerro Porteño is a good team and will try to pick up a point, but my bet is on Fluminense to win with a maximum of four goals scored in the game.