Athletico-PR vs Juventude Prediction: Athletico should win the match

Athletico Paranaense and Juventude will meet in Curitiba for a Round 23 fixture. The home team is the favorite, not only because it has better players than its opponent but also because Juventude is the worst team on the road in the league, the only one that has yet to win away.

The Hurricane defeated Belgrano at home 2-1 in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16. The lead is not comforting going into the second leg, but a goal conceded in the first minute of the game put Athletico in a difficult position. The Paranaenses turned the result around with goals from Erick in the 41st minute and Christian in the 62nd minute, showing great determination. The Paraná team, coached by young Uruguayan Martín Varini, has had some difficulties in the Brasileirão, but eighth place still allows them to think about a place in the Copa Libertadores of next season. The Paranaenses must beat Juventude even though they have a game in Argentina to play a few days later.

The Ju reached half-time leading the score against rival Internacional but lost 2-1. The Gaúchos keep failing away from home but remain out of the relegation zone. Juventude is in 13th place with 25 points and two games in hand. If Jair Ventura's men can improve their performance away from Caxias do Sul, they could climb into the top half of the table. Beating Athletico in Curitiba won't be easy, but the Paranaenses may not field their best line-up as they have a tricky game in Córdoba against Belgrano in midweek.

Juventude hasn't won a game away, and playing at the Ligga Arena isn't easy. The Gaúchos are having a good season but lose confidence when they leave Caxias do Sul. Athletico-PR hasn't been consistent, alternating good performances with disappointing ones. The Paranaenses are favorites, but as they have a crucial game in Argentina for the Copa Sudamericana midweek, they are likely to play at a lower tempo. I'm betting on Athletico to win, but the home must not underestimate Juventude.