Fortaleza vs Atlético Goianiense prediction 21.07.2024

• Competition: Serie A
• Date: Sunday, 21st July, 2024
• Kickoff: 22:30 UK / 23:30 CEST
• Venue: Castelão (Fortaleza)

On Sunday evening, Fortaleza will welcome struggling Atletico GO in the 18th round of Brazilian Serie A at Castelão in Fortaleza.

Fortaleza have been constantly in the upper half of the league's table in recent three seasons, finishing fourth, eighth, and tenth while winning between 54 and 58 points. This year, they opened the season by finishing second in their state league (Cearense) and continued to play well both in Copa Sudamerica and Serie A. In Copa Sudamericana, they easily reached the knockout phase by finishing 1st in the group in front of Boca Juniors. When it comes to Serie A, the popular Tricolor had its ups and downs in the first part of the season, but as time passes, they are only looking better. Currently, they are 7th with 29 points from 16 matches, just one point away from 4th-placed Sao Paulo and with one game played less.

Atletico GO are one of the teams which constantly traveled between Serie A and B in recent seasons. Last year, they won promotion by finishing 4th and started this season great - with a title in the Goiano state league. Unfortunately, after that good start, Atletico Goianiense failed to continue in the same rhythm as they struggle in Serie A. Right now, they are 19th with 11 points from 17 rounds. For things to be even worse, Dragão are on a terrible four-game losing streak, and the next five games are against excellent teams - Fortaleza, Bahia, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Sao Paulo.

Fortaleza vs Atletico Goianiense pick: Fortaleza to win

Fortaleza are in great form. They won three in a row, including a 2:1 win on the road against one of the best teams in the league, Flamengo RJ. However, the main reason why Fortaleza are among the best teams in Serie A this season is their fantastic home record. After three draws in the first three home (Serie A) matches, Fortaleza won six straight and will now face one of the weakest teams in the league. So, it is fair to expect a continuation of their winning streak to seven.

On the other hand, Atletico Goianiense are in terrible form. They lost four in a row while allowing nine goals - 2.25 per game. Yes, they mostly faced strong opponents recently, but their upcoming match against Fortaleza is unlikely to be any easier.

Considering Fortaleza's excellent home record, along with a massive difference in form, anything but a comfortable win for the hosts should be a massive surprise.