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/ Michael Lintorn / 16 October 2011 / Leave a Comment 
One-name wonders Fred and Deco are both at Fluminense's disposal
"Palmeiras have won just one in ten, and that an own goal-secured triumph against relegation-threatened Ceara."
A nightmare month for Palmeiras is about to take a further turn for the worse against Fluminense, suspects Michael Lintorn...
Palmeiras v Fluminense, KO Sunday 19:00 BST, Betfair Live Video, Match odds: Palmeiras [2.08], Fluminense [3.75], The Draw [3.4]
It's not a great time to be a Palmeiras fan, but it's an even worse time to be one of the players, judging by the attack on midfielder Joao Vitor - who was involved for a mere 75 minutes of their recent four-match winless streak - by supposed supporters.
The response to the incident by the club has made matters worse, with forward Kleber left out of the squad for this game after expressing his disapproval at the reaction, in which boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is believed to have dismissively said "this kind of thing happens".
Even before that incredible sequence of events, this preview was likely to have found in favour of the Palmeiras lay at [2.1], but the off-field chaos has made the case for opposing the hosts all the more compelling.
On the pitch, the eight-time champions have won just one in ten, and that an own goal-secured triumph against relegation-threatened Ceara. After opening the campaign with five straight home victories, they have claimed only three in nine since.
Visitors Fluminense meanwhile are six points better off and in far more encouraging form, prevailing in seven of their last ten league fixtures. On top of all that, they have a head-to-head advantage to boot, winning three and drawing the other of their last four meetings.
Over/under 2.5 goals
The Palmeiras' goal threat has been hard to pinpoint of late, with just five scored in their last seven outings compared to nine in five before that, and though he hasn't been at his best this season, Kleber's absence won't help improve that record.
They remain respectable at the back however, conceding only five in six, so will give a potent Fluminense frontline featuring Fred and Rafael Sobis a tougher test than most. Four of the teams' last five clashes have had under 2.5 goals and this one is an appetising [1.9] to follow suit.
Best Bet: Lay Palmeiras @ [2.1]
Other Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ [1.9]
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