Diego Cavalieri

Exeter City and Fluminense played each other 100 years ago and in order to celebrate the anniversary the two clubs will be coming up against each other in a friendly match. The Brazilian outfit is easily the much stronger of the two after boasting the likes of former Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri in their ranks. As a result, Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has claimed that he is wary of the Fluminense players and he is ready for a tough encounter. Exeter City have taken 18 players to Rio de Janeiro for the match.

After staying clear of relegation troubles last season, Exeter City will be hoping to use this match as an experience for the upcoming League Two campaign. Fluminense are reportedly not looking to name their strongest 11, but it could still feature a number of top players like Cavalieri. Since the Brazilian league is already halfway through the schedule, Tisdale says that the opposition players will be much better in terms of fitness. This puts Exeter city at a disadvantage. Along with the home advantage, Fluminense are the favourites going into the encounter.

Exeter City have taken just one goalkeeper for the match. Christy Pym made only nine appearances for the club last season, but he will be the first choice goalkeeper. “I’m expecting a very difficult game. I don’t know what team they are going to pick because it is a friendly and they have got other interests to focus on that day as well, but I’m expecting a highly-talented team. Let’s hope we don’t get the goalkeeper injured in one of the games like we had 100 years ago, but we do have some who can deputise in goal if that were to happen. However, the only player who is line to play every minute of every game is Christy Pym,” said Tisdale.