Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction - Brasiliero

The Brasileirão is heating up in the final stages of the season, and South American expert Nathan Joyes provides his Palmeiras vs Fortaleza prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Palmeiras are hot on the heels of Botafogo in first place after their latest 5-3 win against Juventude, while Fortaleza are just about clinging on to the title race. Although five points clear of Flamengo in third place, it has been a memorable season for Fortaleza, but this might be a bridge too far.

Allianz Parque isn’t for the weak, and Verdao may be ready to tame the lions on their travels.

• Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Tip 1: Palmeiras and over 1.5 match goals
• Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Tip 2: Estevão to score anytime
• Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Tip 3: Raphael Veiga over 1.5 shots on target

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction 1: Hosts to defeat title contenders

Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Saturday, October 26th, 20:30 (UK)

The champions aren’t willing to give up on their title so easily, and Botafogo will really have to pull off some big victories if they are to dethrone Abel Ferreria’s side.

After their 5-3 win over Juventude, Palmeiras are just one point behind their title challengers, unbeaten in 12 and momentum is very much with them. With no other competitions to focus on, this is their main priority.

At home, they have won three on the bounce in the league, scoring 12 in the process, including two 5-0 victories over Criciuma and Cuiaba. They mean business, and not many prevail at Palmeiras’ home ground.

Up next is arguably Palmeiras’ biggest test in recent weeks: Fortaleza. Last year’s Copa Sudamericana finalists have defied the odds and are still technically in the title race after 30 rounds.

However, their form has dipped of late, in particular on the road, where they have lost four of their last five matches. A 3-0 loss against Corinthians saw them knocked out of the Sudamericana once more, before Gremio put them in their place; 3-1.

Palmeiras are the real title contenders, and this is where Fortaleza’s bid ends.

• Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction 1: Palmeiras and over 1.5 match goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction 2: More magic from Chelsea’s star

If there’s one player everyone is talking about at the moment, it’s Palmeiras’ 17-year-old superstar.

On Monday night, Estevão surpassed Neymar’s Brasileirão goal contribution record when he scored in their 5-3 victory. With 18 goal contributions to his name in just 24 league appearances, Estevao is the best teenager in the league’s history. Chelsea have pulled off a blinder.

But before he departs for Stamford Bridge, the winger has work to do in order to help secure his first league title at the first time of asking. Despite his young age, there truly isn’t anyone better at Palmeiras at present.

With five goals in his last five matches, in which he was subbed in all of them, Estevao has returned from injury in the mood to carry his team to the title. Whether he’s making bursting runs into the box, shooting from range or worming his way through defences, this kid has everything.

He loves it at home, and the fans adore him. If Palmeiras keep scoring at the rate they are doing, Estevao’s name will be on the scoresheet come full-time.

• Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction 2: Estevão to score anytime
• Best Odds: 3.40
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction 3: Captain to lead by example

With so much attention on Estevao, people are forgetting about Mr Palmeiras himself. Captain and star midfielder Raphael Veiga continues to shine in his no.10 role, and his hattrick last time out was thoroughly deserved.

He’s really started to shine in the last few weeks, where he scored an important brace to beat Mineiro at home just before the international break. The 29-year-old also found himself on the scoresheet when Palmeiras ran riot against Criciuma.

With ten goals to his name in all competitions, this is the third consecutive season Veiga has reached double digits. Yes, he’s on penalty and free-kick duty, which adds plenty of value to this particular angle, but he’s also exceptional at finding pockets of space on the edge of the area.

Clearly the Brazilian isn’t willing to give up on the title, and as a result, his performances have gone up a notch as it gets to the important stage of the season. With players having to double up on Estevao, Veiga is finding more space – and he can test Fortaleza’s goalkeeper at least twice on Saturday evening.

• Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction 3: Raphael Veiga over 1.5 shots on target
• Best Odds: 2.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, October 14th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: Estevao the star once more

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton; Paulista, Gomes, Reis, Rocha, Veiga, Rios, Moreno, Anderson, Lopez, Estevao

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Pacheco, Titi, Britez, Augusto, Hercules, Martinez, Rossetto, Moises, Lucero, Kayzer

Match Stats

• Palmeiras are unbeaten in their last 12 league matches (W10 D2).
• Fortaleza have only won two of their last five across all competitions (W2 D1 L2).
• Marinho and Tite are suspended for the visitors after their red cards vs Atletico Mineiro.

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