Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction: The champion is putting pressure on the leader

Palmeiras and Fortaleza will meet in the most anticipated match of Round 31, with the second-placed team hosting the third in the table. Palmeiras is still going strong and is putting pressure on leader Botafogo, who drew in the last round. The champion has 60 points and is just one away from first place, but the next opponent is tricky. Fortaleza has 56 points and will be looking to close the gap to the two strongest contenders for the title.

In a crazy encounter, the Verdão beat Juventude 5-3 away, showing great determination and will to win. Raphael Veiga was the man of the match with a hat-trick. Palmeiras conceded two goals from corners, which is unusual. Juventude is one of the best teams in the league from set pieces, but Palmeiras' difficulty in this regard was undeniable. However, that didn't stop the Paulistas from picking up another win, their seventh in the last eight rounds. Abel Ferreira's men are confident of winning the title again, and it won't be surprising if they achieve it for the third consecutive year.

The Lion drew 1-1 at home to Atlético Mineiro in a game with controversial refereeing decisions. Marinho and Tinga received red cards in the second half, but despite that, Fortaleza maintained its unbeaten run at the Arena Castelão. Atlético has reached the finals of both the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil, so the result wasn't bad considering the numerical inferiority. The Cearenses have lost a few points to the leading duo in recent games. Botafogo and Palmeiras have higher-quality squads than Fortaleza, so the drop in performance is understandable. Vojvoda will have to change his starting eleven, as four players are out due to suspension.

Palmeiras has won seven games and drawn one in the last eight rounds, showing great determination to reach first place. Fortaleza is third and is a tricky opponent, not least because it beat Palmeiras 3-0 at home in Round 12. Still, it will be a surprise if Palmeiras doesn't win the match. The Cearenses won't be at full strength as four players will face a ban after a troubled game with Atlético Mineiro. I'm backing Palmeiras to win with a maximum of four goals scored to boost the odds.