Fortaleza vs Atlético-MG Prediction: It's a decisive game for Fortaleza

This game will take place midweek due to the Copa do Brasil semi-finals, where Atlético Mineiro will face Vasco da Gama next weekend. Given the crucial cup match, Gabriel Milito may not be fielding the best version of his team at the Arena Castelão. Fortaleza is in third place, two points behind Palmeiras, second in the table, and five behind Botafogo, the Brasileirão leader. The Cearenses will visit Palmeiras in Round 31, so they must beat Atlético.

In the last round, the Lion had one of the worst games of the campaign and lost 3-1 to Grêmio in Porto Alegre. Perhaps in other years, the result could be considered normal, but Fortaleza has been a consistent team this season, and it was only the second time it conceded more than two goals in a league match. Vojvoda's men have lost some steam, and perhaps the international break came at a good time. The Cearenses need to win to keep dreaming of the title and to maintain a position that guarantees them direct qualification for the Copa Libertadores group stage.

The Rooster will enter a crucial phase of the season where it will try to reach the finals of the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil. The Miners will face Fortaleza, Vasco, and River Plate in one week. The next league match is the least important of the three for Atlético. In the last round, Milito's men relaxed, and after leading 2-0 at home against Vitória, they conceded a draw. Atlético Mineiro can win titles this season, but the best possible finish in the league will be in the top six. 

Fortaleza is the only team unbeaten at home in the Brasileirão and could maintain that status for another round. Atlético won't be at full strength due to the semi-final matches in the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores. Milito will probably field a different line-up against Fortaleza. The Cearenses lost their last game, and the break for the international matches may have been beneficial to recover the team physically and mentally. I'm betting on Fortaleza to win.