Preview: Corinthians vs. Fortaleza - prediction, team news, lineups

Just four points separate Corinthians and Fortaleza ahead of their Campeonato Brasileiro clash on Saturday, and the hosts will be aiming to extend their unbeaten home run to eight games.

Fortaleza sit in fifth position - one place above their opponents - and they will be looking to bounce back after suffering a defeat last weekend.

Match preview

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Corinthians will be aiming to close the gap in the table to Saturday's opponents as they try to collect consecutive victories.

Although, Sylvinho will be slightly worried that it took a goal from Roger Guedes in the eighth minute of stoppage time to beat bottom-of-the-table Chapecoense 1-0 in midweek.

However, the Corinthians boss will be pleased with his side's recent home form, which has seen them win their last four games on home turf.

Those home wins were made even more impressive by the fact that they only conceded twice in those four victories, while also grabbing seven goals.

A slight concern for Sylvinho is the fact his side have only scored seven league goals in the first 30 minutes this season, and he will be hoping for a more positive start from his team on Saturday.

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After three consecutive league victories, Fortaleza were brought back down to earth last weekend when they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to America Mineiro.

Despite David equalising, Fortaleza went home with nothing after Felipe Azevedo grabbed an 84th-minute winner for America Mineiro.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda would have been disappointed with that defeat, but he can be proud of his side's recent league form, with Fortaleza collecting 12 points from their last league six games.

Part of their success in those six matches has been a solid defence, which has kept three clean sheets in that period.

Fortaleza will be fully aware of the tough task that awaits them on Saturday, but they will be in a confident mood, having won three successive away games prior to the America Mineiro defeat.

Team News

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Willian has missed Corinthians last three games with a thigh injury, and it is unlikely that he will return for Saturday's encounter.

Sylvinho will also be without Ruan Oliveira, who is a long term absentee.

However, there is some good news for the hosts with Lucas Piton and Roni back available after injury problems, and both players are expected to be on the bench for Saturday.

Fortaleza are without both of their joint-top goalscorers in the league this season, with Robson and Yago Pikachu both missing through injury.

Vojvoda has a selection headache ahead of Saturday's contest, with the trio of Ederson, Titi, and Jussa all suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Those suspensions could result in starting places for Jackson, Matheus Vargas, and Felipe.

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Fagner, Victor, Gil, Santos; Gabriel, Du Queiroz, Augusto; Pereira, Giuliano, Guedes

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Boeck; Tinga, Benevenuto, Jackson; Vargas, Felipe, Ronald, Lima, Melo; Henriquez, David

We say: Corinthians 2-1 Fortaleza

Corinthians are in supreme form at home, and it is difficult to predict anything other than a victory for the hosts on Saturday as they look to win their fifth consecutive home game.

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