Mano Menezes’ Palmeiras welcome Oswaldo de Oliveira’s Fluminense to the Allianz Parque for their Serie A matchday 18 fixture. The home side can keep the pressure on second-placed Santos with a win here and close the gap on league leaders Flamengo as well, while Fluminense will finally claw their way out of the relegation zone if they grab the three points on offer here.

Palmeiras vs Fluminense Betting Tips and Predictions: Palmeiras

The season had started very well for the Verdao winning eight of their first nine fixtures, however, since then they’ve only won one of their last eight in Brazil’s top tier, a run which has seen them drawing five and losing the other two. If lady luck had been on their side and if they hadn’t let leads go to waste they would probably be top of the league about now.

Against Goias, though last Sunday night they finally got back to winning ways with a 1-2 win, thanks to a late Gustavo Scarpa goal, finally lady luck might be smiling on them again. Palmeiras have a couple of injuries and a player away on international duty, but all of their usual first-team players will be available for selection.

Palmeiras vs Fluminense Betting Tips and Predictions: Fluminense

Fluminense’s season has been pretty bad, they’ve only won four matches all season and have lost a total of 10 already. However, they have won two of their last five matches and of their last three defeats they’ve lost all of them by a single goal so things are somewhat improving from earlier in the season.

They are struggling for goals however, they’ve had to rely on 17-year-old Brazilian Joao Pedro as their main striker. He done alright though, he’s scored four goals in his 12 appearances this season. Colombian winger Yony Gonzalez has also contributed a few, with four goals in 14 but they need more consistency in front of the sticks if they want to get out of the relegation zone.

Palmeiras vs Fluminense Betting Tips and Predictions: Stats

Over their five most previous Serie A matches, Palmeiras have won one, drawn three and lost one. Over 2.5 goals has occurred in 3/5 matches, while BTTS has landed in 4/5.

Of their five most previous home Serie A matches, they’ve won three and drawn two. Over 2.5 goals has occurred in 2/5 matches, while BTTS has landed in 2/5 as well.

Over Fluminense’s five most previous Serie A matches, they’ve won one, drawn two and lost two matches. Over 2.5 goals has been seen in 0/5, while BTTS has only been seen in 1/5.

Of their five most recent away matches, they’ve won two, drawn one and lost two. Over 2.5 goals has occurred in 3/5, while BTTS has landed in 3/5.

In head to head matches the home side hold a clear advantage; they’ve met 36 times over the years, winning 19 times, five have ended in draws and Fluminense have won 12.

Of their five most previous head to head matches, Palmeiras have won four and Fluminense have won one. Over 2.5 goals has occurred in 2/5, while BTTS has landed in just 1/5.

Palmeiras vs Fluminense Betting Tips and Predictions: Tips and Predictions

The Asian Handicap line opened at 1.25 and hasn’t moved. The goal line opened at 2.5 and also hasn’t changed.

Palmeiras are massive favourites at 1.45 here and at home they’ve beaten Fluminense by at least two goals in four of their last five meetings at the Allianz Parque in all competitions. Palmeiras -1.25 at 2.10 looks like a good shout, or go with -1 at 1.70 if you’re less risk-averse.