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Fluminense vs Ceara Match Preview – Brazilian Serie A

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Fluminense vs Ceara Brazilian Serie A Preview, Predictions, Team News, and How to Watch

Fluminense vs Ceara at the legendary Estádio do Maracanã on Wednesday evening in a postponed Round 12 clash from the Brazilian Serie A campaign.

The defending Copa Libertadores champions sit seventh with 44 points from 29 matches, fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Internacional that featured Samuel Xavier’s stunning curler and maintained their push for a Copa Libertadores qualification spot.

Ceará, positioned 14th with 35 points from 29 matches, arrives in Rio de Janeiro following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Atlético-MG, where they conceded the fastest goal of the 2025 season after just 22 seconds. On the other hand, Racing Club and Flamengo are playing a semifinal match in the Copa Libertadores.

Fluminense’s strong head-to-head record and key players back from suspension, the Tricolor seem set to push their home winning streak to five matches.

Fluminense vs Ceara Match Information, Prediction, H2H and Where to Watch

Match Info

Fluminense enter this fixture with genuine momentum under new coach Luis Zubeldia, who arrived in September after departing São Paulo. The 47-year-old Argentine has stabilized the Tricolor’s season, guiding them to four consecutive home victories in Serie A.

Their most recent triumph over Internacional showcased their attacking potential, with Fluminense dominating possession (60%), hitting the woodwork twice, and creating numerous clear-cut chances before Xavier’s decisive moment. The victory closed the gap on sixth-placed Botafogo to just three points, making this game in hand crucial for their qualification ambitions.​

Ceará’s campaign has been characterized by inconsistency, with their recent form reading two wins, four losses, and four draws from their last ten matches.

Manager Leo Conde’s side have struggled on the road, though they showed positive signs in their 3-2 victory over Santos on October 5, where Pedro Henrique and Lucas Mugni found the net.

However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain concerning, particularly after conceding within 22 seconds against Atlético-MG, demonstrating a lack of concentration that could prove costly against Fluminense’s attacking threats.​

Last 5 Matches Form

FluminenseCeará
W – Fluminense 1-0 InternacionalL – Atlético-MG 1-0 Ceará
W – Vasco da Gama 0-2 FluminenseD – Ceará 0-0 Botafogo
D – Fluminense 2-2 CruzeiroL – Fortaleza 2-0 Ceará
W – Fluminense 1-0 FlamengoD – Ceará 1-1 Grêmio
W – Corinthians 0-1 FluminenseW – Ceará 3-2 Santos

Fluminense vs Ceara Head to Head

Fluminense hold a commanding psychological advantage in this fixture, having won the last two encounters without conceding a goal. Their most recent meeting in November 2022 ended 1-0 in Fluminense’s favor, while a July 2022 clash at the Maracanã saw the Tricolor triumph 2-1.

The overall head-to-head record shows a balanced rivalry, though Fluminense’s recent dominance and home advantage make them clear favorites.

Matches PlayedFluminense WinsCeará WinsDrawsFluminense GoalsCeará Goals
1363415+10+

Recent Meetings:

Current Team News

Fluminense Team News

Luis Zubeldia receives a major boost with midfielder Martinelli and defender Freytes both returning from suspension after serving their one-match bans. Veteran striker Germán Cano is back in contention after recovering from a minor knock, though John Kennedy’s impressive performance against Internacional may see him retain his starting position.

Club legend Thiago Silva continues to anchor the defense alongside the returning Freytes, providing leadership and experience. Midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso remains sidelined with injury, while defensive midfielder Manoel is also unavailable.

Goalkeeper Fábio has been excellent between the posts, keeping consecutive clean sheets.​

Ceará Team News:

Coach Leo Conde has no fresh injury concerns ahead of this crucial away trip to Rio de Janeiro. Pedro Henrique leads the attacking line with three goals in his last ten appearances, supported by Pedro Raúl, who has netted eight times this season.

Midfielder Lucas Mugni provides creativity from the center of the park with five assists, while Argentine forward Aylon Galeano adds pace and directness from wide positions. Goalkeeper Bruno has been solid despite recent defeats, while the defensive unit led by experienced center-backs Matheus Machado and Gabriel Lacerda must improve concentration levels following their early concession against Atlético-MG.​

Fluminense vs Ceara Current Possible Starting Lineups

Fluminense Predicted XI (4-3-3):

Ceará Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

Key Players

Fluminense FC

Ceará FC

Fluminense vs Ceara Match Prediction

Fluminense’s home advantage, recent winning streak at the Maracanã, and the return of key players from suspension make them strong favorites.

Ceará’s defensive frailties and poor away record (averaging just 0.8 goals scored on the road) suggest they will struggle to contain Zubeldia’s organized attack.

The hosts’ dominance in recent h2h encounters and their superior squad depth should see them secure all three points comfortably, moving within touching distance of the Copa Libertadores places.

Where to Watch Fluminense vs Ceará

United States:

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Australia:

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Brazil:

Latin America:

Streaming Worldwide: Check local Serie A Brasileirão broadcast partners and beIN Sports availability. VPN restrictions may apply for international streaming services.

Match Build-up: Pre-match coverage begins 30 minutes before kickoff across all broadcast partners, with tactical analysis from Brazilian football experts and interviews with both managers.

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