Athletico-PR vs Fortaleza Prediction: Fortaleza is on a four-game losing streak

The next match in Round 33 features seventh-placed Athletico Paranaense against ninth-placed Fortaleza. Both teams have slumped lately. The home team hasn't won in three games, but Fortaleza has done even worse, losing four in a row. In theory, both teams will qualify for the Copa Sudamericana, but ultimately, their goal is to reach the Copa Libertadores. At the moment, Athletico, with 49 points, has a better chance of finishing in the top six, but it needs to win as many as possible in the remaining six rounds.

The Hurricane lost 1-0 to Palmeiras with a goal from wonder kid Endrick, an expected defeat after the Paulistas were reborn following their magnificent 4-3 win over Botafogo, which put them back on course for the title. It was their second consecutive 1-0 defeat, as in Round 31, the Parananenses had also lost away to Corinthians. A place in the top six is now four points away, so victory in this game is a must if Athletico wants to play in the next Copa Libertadores.

The Lion has not yet managed to break out of the negative cycle in which it finds itself and seems resigned to finishing the championship in a mid-table position. The defeat in the final of the Copa Sudamericana has caused a great deal of discouragement among the players, and only a good result can get the team back to its usual level. In the last round, the Ceará side lost 2-0 at home to Flamengo. Winning at the Ligga Arena won't be easy. In fact, in the eight times Fortaleza has visited Athletico, it has never won.

Athletico, playing at home, has a better chance of winning the game, although I think Fortaleza's reaction to its poor results is imminent. Betting on a win for the Cearenses is too risky, as they have four straight defeats in the Série A and have never won at the Hurricane's ground. Still, a draw is possible. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Athletico PR, with a maximum of three goals scored in the match.