Preview: Atletico Goianiense vs. Fortaleza - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, on the other hand, head into the weekend on a run of six consecutive games without a win across all competitions and will be looking to end this dry spell.

Match preview

Athletico Goianiense secured smooth passage into the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil last Wednesday when they claimed a 3-0 victory over Goias.

Having played out a goalless draw in June's first leg, Jorginho, Wellington Rato and Marlon Freitas all found the target at the Estadio da Serrinha to hand the Dragao a comfortable victory.

Atletico Goianiense now turn their sights to the Brasileiro Serie A, where they are currently on a three-game winless run, picking up just one point since a 3-1 victory over Juventude on June 22.

With 17 points from 16 games, Jorge Campos's side are currently 18th in the Serie A standings but could rise as high as 13th place with all three points at the Estadio Antonio Accioly this weekend.

Elsewhere, Fortaleza showed signs of improvement and a brewing resurgence last time out when they held first-placed Palmeiras to a goalless draw on home turf.

Despite seeing over 60% of the ball possession and being in the ascendancy for most of the game, the Periquito Verde were constantly repelled by Juan Pablo Vojvoda's men, who put on a defensive show of class.

While manager Vojvoda will be impressed with his side's display against the league leaders, they have now failed to win any of their last three games, claiming one point from a possible nine in that time.

Fortaleza have picked up two wins, five draws and lost nine of their 16 games so far to collect 11 points and sit rock-bottom in the league standings, seven points adrift of Avai outside the relegation zone.

The Leao do Pici's struggles so far can be pinned to a lack of firepower up top as they currently hold the division's second-worst attacking record with 13 goals scored so far — with only America Mineiro (12) scoring fewer.

Atletico Goianiense Brasileiro form:

Atletico Goianiense form (all competitions):

Fortaleza Brasileiro form:

Fortaleza form (all competitions):

Team News

Off the back of a dominant cup dismally against Goias, Campos could name a similar starting side on Sunday, meaning we could see a back four of Jefferson, Ramon, Wanderson and Hayner shielding Ronaldo in goal.

However, Brazilian international Edson is a doubt for Atletico Goianiense after the 31-year-old midfielder came off injured in the aforementioned game.

At the attacking end of the pitch, we should see a front three of Rato, Airton and Luis Fernando, with former Athletico Paranaense man Jorginho providing an extra goalscoring threat from midfield.

As for Fortaleza, Vojvoda will be unable to call upon the services of Brazilian defender Tinga, who has been out of action since May's game against Juventude through a ligament injury.

He is joined on the club's injury table by 31-year-old forward Robson Fernandes, who is set to sit out his seventh consecutive game through a knee injury.

Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:

Ronaldo; Hayner, Wanderson, Ramon, Jefferson; Baralhas, Felipe; Jorginho; Airton, Rato, Fernando

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:

Miguel; Habraao, Titi, Benevenuto, Pikachu; Welison, Felipe, Vargas; Crispim, Moises, Romarinho

We say: Atletico Goianiense 2-1 Fortaleza

Atletico Goianiense and Fortaleza have endured an underwhelming campaign so far and find themselves at the wrong end of the standings. The Leao do Pici have lost each of their last five away games in all competitions and we are backing Campos's side to make use of their home advantage and scrape a slender victory.

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