Atlético-MG vs Fortaleza Prediction: Expect a tactical game at the Arena MRV

Atlético Mineiro continues its recovery and reaches this competition stage with a good chance of qualifying directly for the Copa Libertadores. Despite surprising defeats at home to Coritiba and Cruzeiro, Scolari's team recently beat Palmeiras, Bragantino, and Fluminense, three of the best teams in the league, to climb to sixth place. Great tactical discipline has brought Atlético good results, so the team will likely continue with this cautious style of play against Fortaleza. Vojvoda, the Argentine coach of the Cearenses, has certainly studied his opponent and will certainly try to counter Scolari's strategy.

The Rooster was superior to Fluminense, winning 2-0 at home in the last round. Two goals from Paulinho gave the team another home win after two straight defeats at the Arena MRV. The team took full advantage of the fact that Fluminense was playing with substitutes with the Copa Libertadores final in mind and didn't give the Cariocas a chance. The Mineiros feel more comfortable playing strong teams that like to have the ball, closing down the paths to their own goal, and trying to take advantage of Paulinho and Hulk's counter-attacks. The Rooster will try to beat the Lion this way.

The team suffered a blow this week when it lost the final of the Copa Sudamericana on penalties to Liga de Quito after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Fortaleza made it to an international final for the first time but was unfortunate. The Cearenses now have two games in hand in the Brasileirão, and if they win both, they could re-enter the fight for the top six and a place in next year's Copa Libertadores. In a return to harsh reality, the Lion of Pici still has plenty of league matches to play and show why it is one of the best teams in Brazil.

As I said earlier, a tactical game is expected between the sixth and ninth-placed teams in the league. Atlético Mineiro plays at home and is confident, while Fortaleza is coming off a difficult defeat. That's why I think the Rooster has a better chance of winning. Even so, I'm betting on a score with few goals, as Atlético-MG has the second-best defense in the league.