Preview: Fortaleza vs. Athletico Paranaense - prediction, team news, lineups

Fortaleza will host Athletico Paranaense on Saturday, with the home side looking to retain the top-four place they currently occupy, as they bid to qualify for next season's Copa Libertadores.

The visitors enter the fixture in 10th position, and they are aiming to qualify for next season's Copa Sudamericana.

Match preview

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Fortaleza head into the weekend in fourth position, a place they would like to retain if they are to qualify for next season's Copa Libertadores.

The league has not been the only focus for Fortaleza, with Juan Pablo Vojvoda's side reaching the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil.

Unfortunately for Fortaleza, the first leg of the semi final did not go to plan when they travelled to Atletico Mineiro in midweek, with the home side running out 4-0 winners.

On a more positive note, Fortaleza did win their last league fixture, with Bruno Melo and Yago Pikachu scoring to help their side to a 2-1 win over bottom side Chapecoense.

Fortaleza would have also been boosted by ending a five-game winless home league run, with a 1-0 victory in their most recent home fixture against Gremio.

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Athletico Paranaense have had a solid season, accumulating 34 points this term, which leaves them currently in a Copa Sudamericana qualification spot.

Although, Saturday's visitors will also be wary of the fact that they are six points off the relegation zone and a win at the weekend would make them feel more comfortable.

Alberto Valentim's side are also in the Copa do Brasil semi-final, and they fared much better than Fortaleza in their first-leg encounter with Flamengo.

In that contest, Athletico Paranaense looked set to win at home after Pedro Henrique and Renato Kayzer had given the hosts a 2-1 lead, but Pedro scored a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time to deny Valentim's side the victory.

Saturday's visitors will be hoping to end a winless run of four games in all competitions, and they will look to bounce back in the league after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Fluminense last weekend.

Team News

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Robson was suspended for Fortaleza's previous league encounter, but the forward featured in the cup defeat during the week, and he will start Saturday's contest.

Ronald and Angelo Henriquez were both brought on at half time in the Copa do Brasil clash with Atletico Mineiro, and the pair could come into the starting lineup for the weekend.

Athletico Paranaense will have to cope with the absence of Nicolas, who is still injured for the away side.

Matheus Babi and Lucas Halter will not be available, with the pair both out for the remainder of the season.

Valentim could name a similar side to the one that played in the last league game, with one eye on the second leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-final, which takes place in midweek.

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Alves; Guedes, Titi, Jussa; Pikachu, Felipe, Ronald, Crispim; Vargas, Henriquez, Robson

Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:
Santos; Ze Ivaldo, Hernandez, Fasson; Khellven, Christian, Richard, Pedrinho; Carlos, Rocha, Bissoli

We say: Fortaleza 1-2 Athletico Paranaense

Despite Fortaleza sitting higher in the league table, we think Athletico Paranaense could win this one given the fact they have won the last five competitive encounters between the two sides.