Fortaleza vs Palmeiras Prediction: The champion is in for a rocky ride

Fortaleza and Palmeiras will meet in a highly anticipated match. The Arena Castelão is usually a stadium where the champion struggles and where it hasn't won since 2019. In the twelve times the two sides have met in Fortaleza, Palmeiras has only won twice.

The Lion secured a precious one-all draw against Atlético Mineiro in Belo Horizonte. Fortaleza opened the score through Breno Lopes with a magnificent curling shot in the 25th minute. In the second half, the Rooster reacted and got the equalizer through Paulinho, who saved his team and set up the final result. The Cearenses now occupy 11th place with a game in hand. It would be important to pick up a point against Palmeiras and make it three games in a row without losing after two negative results in the league at the start of the month. Fortaleza will be missing several players for the match with the Verdão, most notably Breno Lopes, who is a Palmeiras player and, therefore, cannot play.

The Verdão has won five straight games in the Brasileirão and is back on track. Abel Ferreira's side is in second place, one point behind Flamengo, and is waiting for a slip-up by the Cariocas to take the lead. However, before they can think about first place, the Paulistas will have to crack a tough nut and win in Fortaleza, which they haven't done for some time. The wonder kid Estêvão is in great form and is the biggest hope of beating the Cearenses. The future Chelsea player gave his team the lead in the 75th minute when he scored to make it 2-1 against Juventude in a match that Palmeiras won 3-1 at home.

It's never been easy for Palmeiras to win at the Castelão, but perhaps this is the best time to do it. Fortaleza isn't playing particularly well and has a few injured players. The Verdão is going through its best period of the season, with five victories in its last five games. The derby with Corinthians, which is coming up this weekend, could influence the Paulistas' approach, as they may opt for a slow pace and wait for a mistake. Palmeiras is the favorite, but Fortaleza can stop the champion again, so I'm betting on a draw.