Fortaleza vs Athletico-PR Prediction: The Brasileirão leader faces a challenging opponent

Athletico Paranaense leads the Série A along with Bahia but will face a hard-to-beat opponent. Despite Fortaleza occupying 11th place in the table, it has yet to lose in the Brasileirão. The Cearenses have won one match, drawn four, and currently have a game in hand. Both teams have good players, and the contest should be balanced.

The Lion finished the Copa Sudamericana group stage two points ahead of Boca Juniors. Fortaleza qualified directly for the last 16 by finishing top of Group D. Vojvoda's side beat Trinidense 2-1 on a night when the Argentine became the coach with the most games for the club. The Cearenses need to win to climb the standings. Four draws in five games means they're solid, but in terms of points, it's not enough for a side with quality. Fortaleza fans will undoubtedly support their beloved team against a strong opponent.

The Hurricane lost surprisingly 1-0 at home to Paraguay's Sportivo Ameliano. The Paranaenses had already qualified, but they needed a draw to keep the top spot and go straight through to the eighth-finals. Athletico will, therefore, have to play the playoff and two extra games that could and should have been avoided. Cuca's team must now focus on the Brasileirão and the game with Fortaleza. A draw can't be considered a bad result, but it could mean losing the lead.

Anything can happen in this game. No team can be said to be superior to the other. Fortaleza and Athletico had different results in their Copa Sudamericana matches this week. The Cearenses won their game and qualified directly for the last 16, while the Paranenses lost and will go to the playoffs. Fortaleza should probably be more confident, so I'm inclined to bet on a Double Chance in favor of the home team, with a maximum of three goals scored.