Juventude vs Fortaleza Prediction: Both teams need a win

In Caxias do Sul, two teams with different targets will face each other, yet both need the three points. After spending the season in a quiet position in the table, Juventude has fallen into the relegation zone. Fortaleza is in third place and must pick up points to at least finish the campaign in the top four to qualify for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.

The club's management sacked Jair Ventura and wasted no time hiring a replacement. New coach Fábio Matias will try to restore the players' confidence to keep the club in the Série A. In the last round, the Gaúchos lost 4-2 away to Flamengo a few days after a 5-3 defeat at home to Palmeiras. The opponents were top-class, but conceding nine goals in two games was pretty bad. Juventude is in 18th place with 34 points but has the same points as Athletico Paranaense, which is in 16th, just outside the relegation zone. Fortaleza is a strong opponent, and the Ju has to be at a high level to win.

Against all odds, the Lion drew 2-2 at the Allianz Parque, the stadium of Palmeiras. Fortaleza had four players ruled out due to suspension, and the team's form didn't suggest a good performance, but the result was excellent. On the other hand, Palmeiras was in great spirits, so the draw was surprising. The result could restore the lost confidence of the Cearenses, who have slumped in performance over the last two months. It would be very important to win again on the road, which hasn't happened since August.

It's hard to predict how Juventude will perform under the new coach. Often, the arrival of a new leader motivates the players, but in this case, Fortaleza is one of the best teams in the Brasileirão, so it could also cause some nervousness in the Gaúchos, who urgently need points. Fortaleza got a good result in the last round, drawing away to Palmeiras, so confidence is high. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Fortaleza with a maximum of three goals scored in the match.