Internacional will be hoping for a change in fortunes when they welcome Fluminense at the Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda on Sunday, in their gameweek 11 Brazilian Serie A encounter.
The hosts are 14th in the standings, while the visitors currently occupy fifth position with 17 points after 10 fixtures.
Match preview
© Imago
Internacional have endured a torrid start to the season, winning only two of their first 10 fixtures in the current campaign.
Having finished fifth in the previous season, the Reds would have hoped for a good start to the season, but the performance of the Porto Alegre-based side has been underwhelming.
Since their 3-1 victory over Juventude on April 26, the People's Club have been winless in four league games, having recorded two losses and a couple of draws.
While they are not the side with the worst defensive record in the league, Roger Machado would be worried about his team's rearguard, as they have conceded 11 goals in their last five league exertions, eight more than they shipped in their first five games of the current campaign.
However, the home side are unbeaten in their last three head-to-head meetings against the visiting side in the Brazilian top flight, an unbeaten streak that comprises two draws and a solitary win.
© Imago
Meanwhile, the away side will go into this fixture off the back of a three-game winning streak across all competitions.
That said, the visitors have found it difficult to maintain a consistent run in the league since the start of the season.
After their opening day 2-0 loss to Fortaleza, the Big Flu went on a three-game winning streak against RB Bragantino (2-1), Santos (1-0) and Corinthians (2-0), but they have won only two of their last six league games, including a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama last time out.
With 13 goals scored so far, Renato Gaucho's charges are the fourth-best attacking team in the Brazilian top division, and they can bank on their attacking prowess ahead of this fixture.
However, having lost four of their last five league fixtures on the road, the away side could be short on confidence heading into this contest.
Team News
© Imago
The hosts have a lot of absentees going into this fixture, meaning Machado could be forced to send out a familiar starting XI on Monday.
Victor Gabriel is recovering from an ankle injury, while Gabriel Mercado, Lucca Drummond and Bruno Gomes are all sidelined with knee injuries.
Similarly, Enner Valencia and Johan Carbonero will not be in consideration, as they are both stricken with thigh injuries.
Goalkeeper Sergio Rochet will also not be in Machado's plans, as he is recovering from a hand injury.
For the travelling side, Agustin Canobbio (facial), Otavio (Achilles), German Cano (knee) and Facundo Bernal (thigh) are not expected to be in the travelling squad.
In attack, Kevin Serna, Jhon Arias and Everaldo should keep their places in attack for the visiting side.
Internacional possible starting lineup:
Anthoni; Bernabei, Juninho, Vitao, Aguirre; Fernando, Enrique; Prado, Patrick, Wesley; Borre
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Rene, Freytes, Silva, Guga; Martinelli, Hercules, Lima; Serna, Everaldo, Arias
We say: Internacional 1-1 Fluminense
Internacional have been less than impressive in recent weeks, but Fluminense have their shortcomings as well; therefore, we reckon this match will end in a 1-1 draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
