Saturday's Brasileiro predictions including Goias vs. Athletico PR

Bragantino vs. Avai (Saturday, 8.30pm)

Both marooned in mid-table, and only a point above the relegation zone, Campeonato Brasileiro rivals Bragantino and Avai meet on Saturday, at Nabizao.

Amid the tightly-packed standings, the pair are flirting with the dotted line after taking just a point apiece from their last three Serie A matches.

We say: Bragantino 1-0 Avai

With only four goals from their first seven away games of the campaign, Avai are unlikely to pose a sustained threat to the Bragantino goal.

As the hosts should also dictate the play from midfield - bossing the ball and controlling the tempo - only one moment of magic may be needed to secure maximum points.

Fluminense vs. Ceara (Saturday, 11.00pm)

After both sides enjoyed impressive wins last time out, Fluminense host Campeonato Brasileiro rivals Ceara on Saturday, at the Maracana.

The hosts will hope to give veteran forward Fred a special send-off upon his retirement, but face an away side unbeaten in 11 league games - the last five of which were drawn.

We say: Fluminense 1-0 Ceara

Though they certainly know how to scramble for hard-earned points, Ceara will not be able to spoil Fred's leaving party - ending their undefeated streak in the process.

A confident Flu side, with more depth in attacking areas, can extend their winning run and potentially close the gap on leaders Palmeiras.

Goias vs. Athletico PR (Sunday, 12.30am)

Despite seeing their relentless winning run halted in midweek, Athletico Paranaense are continuing to close in on top spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro, as they prepare to visit lowly Goias on Saturday.

An away draw in the Copa Libertadores was still enough for the Rubro-Negro to seal a place in the competition's quarter-finals, and they now seek to pile pressure on leaders Palmeiras with a fourth straight league win.

We say: Goias 1-1 Athletico Paranaense

Athletico score at a rate of one goal per game when away from home in Serie A, while Goias find the net at a similar rate on home soil.

While the hosts lack the firepower to upset their visitors by ending an impressive unbeaten run, they can grind out a draw thanks to a decent defensive record at Estadio da Serrinha.