Fluminense to punish bottom team Parana

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Brazilian Serie A club Fluminense sit 10th in the league table. A win on Monday could propel the team closer to the top six. Currently in the Copa Sudamericana places, Fluminense could inch closer to the more prestigious Copa Libertadores competition with a victory.

Standing in their way is Brasilian Serie A’s last place team Parana. The club has recorded just 17 points from 81 possible. Parana have won just three times and their last six matches have all ended without a victory.

Fluminense have won just two of their last six games. Last time out, they lost to top four team Gremio 1-0. Fluminense haven’t been great in front of goal this term. They have tallied just 26 goals while conceding 32. Fluminense have registered the seventh fewest goals in Serie A. The good news for Fluminense is Parana have tallied the fewest goals.

Parana’s anaemic attack has seen them score just 12 times. Surprisingly, defence hasn’t been as much of a problem as offence for Parana. They have allowed only the sixth most goals. If Parana’s attack was better, the team wouldn’t be waiting for relegation to be confirmed.

Parana’s attack has been so bad that they have failed to score in their last 10 away matches. Their last 11 away games have all ended in defeat. Strangely, one of Parana’s three wins this term came against Fluminense back in June. Things have gone to pot, however, since the victory.

Parana have used 54 players in 27 games. Many of the squad are set to leave after relegation leaving the club in even more of a mess. Parana’s problems have even seen them have issues with their home ground. To say Parana’s 2018 season has been awful would be an understatement.>

Although Fluminense have lacked goals, averaging just one per game, Striker Pedro has shown tremendous promise. The 21-year-old has scored 10 goals in just 19 Brasilian Serie A matches. Fluminense’s next high scorer is Gilberto with three strikes. The lack of a secondary goal scorer has been problematic for Marcelo Oliveira’s team.

Fluminense should have little difficulty in getting past Parana. Oliveira’s team will ease to victory against Parana as there is nothing to play for, for the latter. Meanwhile, Fluminense are in a dogfight to make the Copa Libertadores. The team will get back to winning ways against Parana. A win should see them strengthen their case for a top six finish.