Santos remain fourteen points off the top of the table, but with two games in hand on the leaders, the Copa Libertadores winners still feel they can challenge for the Campeonato Brasileiro this season
Boss Muricy Ramalho refused to blame the defeat last weekend on the absence of the suspended Neymar, but they will welcome the young prodigy back this evening to reform the deadly attacking trio, with Alan Kardec and Borges.
Fluminense also have title ambitions, but suffered a similar set-back against Atletico-PR on the weekend, with only a Fred goal in the final minutes rescuing a point for the Carioca side.
A defeat tonight could end the title hopes of both sides, yet a win in such a crucial game could prove the springboard for a late title assault. With both sides confident and in good form, it could be eventful.
