Athletico-PR vs Criciúma Prediction: Athletico wants to end its losing streak

The Paranaenses had good results in the early rounds of the Brasileirão and the Copa Sudamericana, but their form has dipped in recent games. Athletico has now lost three straight matches, two for the international competition and one for the Série A. Criciúma lost 5-2 at home to Cuiabá and seems to be the ideal opponent for the Hurricane to get back to winning ways.

Cuca's team lost 1-0 in Fortaleza in the last round. Despite shooting at the Cearenses' goal 15 times, Athletico couldn't score. The Paranaenses now have two consecutive home matches to return to the top four, where they were in the first rounds. The Hurricane is in fifth place with 13 points, just one point behind Flamengo and Bahia. In the next round, Athletico-PR will host Tite's squad in a highly anticipated game in Curitiba. For now, the home team must win against Criciúma. Goalkeeper Bento and striker Canobbio won't be able to play for some time as they will be at the Copa America, representing Brazil and Uruguay respectively. 

The Tiger suffered a heavy and unexpected defeat at home to Cuiabá. The Mato-Grossenses had yet to win in the Série A and hadn't even scored a goal, but they left Criciúma with a 5-2 victory. The Santa Catarina side suffered its third successive defeat, one in the Copa do Brasil and two in the Brasileirão. Criciúma is one place above the relegation zone but has two games in hand. The good momentum of the season has been interrupted, and the team must react.

Athletico is the favorite for this game. Despite losing its last three games, two losses were for the Copa Sudamericana after securing the qualification for the knockout stage. Criciúma suffered a heavy 5-2 home defeat to Cuiabá. This result could affect the Catarinenses' confidence as their performance was shockingly poor, especially defensively. The Paranaenses are strong at home and will go into the game determined to win. I'm backing Athletico to win with a maximum of four goals scored in the match.