Fortaleza vs Corinthians Prediction: Betting on Underestimated Timao

After the 4:1 victory over Atlético GO, Corinthians will face Fortaleza. Despite Timao's higher status, bookmakers believe that the Sao Paulo club will have difficulty bringing even one point from Castelão, let alone a victory.

Fortaleza played midweek and dropped out of the Brazilian Cup, losing in a 2-match clash to Fluminense. But before the return game, Fortaleza claimed three victories - over Cuiaba, Inter, and Ceara. Due to such a run-up, the hosts to 15th place, but the gap from the red zone is only one point, so it is too early to take a breath. Fortaleza's home statistics are only 18th in the division, but they have not lost in their last five games at the Castelão, a total of 11 games, getting two wins, six draws, and three defeats, a 7-6 goal difference.

After losing to Flamengo and leaving the Copa Libertadores, Timao played two matches. First, the club from Sao Paulo lost in the derby to Palmeiras, 0:1, in the national championship. Then, they achieved a smashing 4:1 home victory over Atletico GO, reaching the Brazilian Cup semifinals. The match was difficult and emotional. Now it is a question of whether Corinthians will have time to recover for the match on Castelão, primarily psychologically. The team cannot let another defeat happen, because Atléctio Paranaense is two points behind them and can easily keep Timao away from entering to the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians' away stats are fifth in the division, +4=3-4, 12:17 goal difference.

Despite the statistics of recent head-to-head encounters between Fortaleza and Corinthians, we believe that Timao are somewhat underestimated in the upcoming game. Both clubs have had difficult matches in the National Cup in midweek, and the Tricolore do not win home games as often as they would like. That said, Corinthians are well motivated, fighting to keep their place in the top 4, and a loss at Castelão could well drop the club from Sao Paulo to fifth position.

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