Fluminense’s possible starting XI for the 2023 Copa Libertadores final

Fluminense aim to be crowned Copa Libertadores champions for the first time this weekend and book their place as CONMEBOL’s representatives at next month’s Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Standing in their way will be six-time Copa Libertadores winners Boca Juniors, who last lifted the cup in 2007. Past meetings between these two clubs have been closely-fought and Saturday’s final at the Maracanã could be another cagey affair, considering what is at stake for both teams.

Fluminense’s journey to the final was a little more straightforward and less fraught than it was for Boca. Coach Fernando Diniz tinkered quite a bit with his side in both the group stage and the knockout rounds - and may have to do so again after losing captain Nino to a knee injury.

Diniz’s possible Fluminense XI

Centre-back Nino was ever-present right the way through Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores campaign playing every minute except for the fourth group game against The Strongest which he watched from the bench. He has been out for four weeks with inflamed knee ligaments and working around the clock to recover in time for the final. The recovery time was estimated between four and six weeks which makes Nino a doubt.

He is joined by long-term casualty. left-back Jorge who is still recovering from an ACL injury.

Otherwise, the Cariocão champions should be at full strength for the final. Diniz has occasionally fluctuated away from his usual 4-2-3-1 system - even playing with three centre-backs a couple of times although it hasn’t really worked for them. The big question will be who will form his back four. He has several options - Spanish football fans will remember veteran Felipe Melo - he is an option but he hasn’t played a full game since the group stage. Midfielder Thiago Santos has been dropped back into defence when necessary but it’s unlikely that the coach will be gambling in a game of this magnitude.

Another LaLiga oldboy, Marcelo, started both of the semi-final legs but his lack of pace could be a concern and force the coach to stick with a younger option, Diogo Barbosa.

Up front, Germán Cano is guaranteed to start. He is the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals. He could be partnered by John Kennedy or left to go solo with Arias, Ganso and Keno providing support. Considering that the Brazilians will be playing at home, it seems more plausible that Diniz will go with his most attacking line-up.

Fluminense (possible) XI vs Boca:

Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Marlon, David Braz, Diogo Barbosa; André; Arias, Ganso, Keno; John Kennedy and Cano.