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Fortaleza will invite Atletico Mineiro to Arena Castelão in the Brazilian Serie A on Wednesday. The hosts are in third place in the league table with 55 points, five fewer than league leaders Botafogo. Atletico have 40 points to their name and are in ninth place in the table.
Leão do Pici saw their unbeaten streak in Serie A ended after three games in their previous outing, as they suffered a 3-1 away loss to Gremio. Hércules had equalized in the 18th minute but Gremio scored twice in the second half to record a comfortable win.
The visitors played Gremio last week and recorded a 2-1 home win. Hulk broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, scoring from the penalty spot and Deyverson restored their lead after Alexander Aravena had equalized for Gremio in the 24th minute.
Fortaleza vs Atletico Mineiro Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two sides have crossed paths 21 times in all competitions. The visitors have the upper hand in these meetings with 10 wins. Leão do Pici have seven wins and four games have ended in draws.
- Both teams registered home wins in the league last season and the reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw.
- The hosts have just one win in their last eight meetings against Atletico while suffering five defeats.
- Fortaleza are on a 12-game winning streak at home in the Serie A, keeping eight clean sheets.
- Atletico Mineiro have suffered just one loss in their last six games in all competitions, recording four wins. They have scored at least two goals in five games in that period.
- The visitors have suffered three consecutive losses in away games, scoring just once.
Fortaleza vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction
Leão do Pici suffered a 3-1 loss earlier this month, conceding three goals for the second time in three games, and will look to improve upon that record. They have an unbeaten home record in Serie A this season, scoring at least once in all 15 games.
Lucas Sasha and Marinho are sidelined with injuries and will play no part in this match. Eros Mancuso was sent off against Gremio earlier this month and will serve a suspension here.
Galo head into the match on a three-game unbeaten streak, recording two wins. They have scored two goals apiece in these games and will look to continue their goalscoring form. They have just one win in their last seven away games in the Brazilian Serie A.
Gabriel Milito has a few absentees for the trip to Ceará as Junior Alonso, Alan Franco, and Eduardo Vargas are on international duty. Guilherme Arana, Rubens, Bernard, and Cadu are nursing injuries while Hulk, Lyanco, and Deyverson are suspended.
Leão do Pici are on a 12-game winning streak at home in Serie A, and are strong favorites. They should be able to make the most of the visitors' absentee list and are expected to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Fortaleza 2-1 Atletico Mineiro
Fortaleza vs Atletico Mineiro Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Fortaleza to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Hércules to score or assist any time - Yes
