Simon Dalton presents his prediction for Brazilian Serie A match.
Despite a 2:0 defeat to Botafogo in the last round of the league, Fortaleza have not lost their chance for the top spot in the standings—they lead based on points lost. The away game against Internacional may be a serious test for Fortaleza, but they have much more motivation.
Internacional
Throughout the season, Internacional have struggled with finishing: they have scored just 22 goals in 22 Serie A matches (only two teams in the tournament have worse records). Since the beginning of July, Internacional have managed only three wins in 16 matches and were eliminated from the Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana a month and a half ago. In their last eight home games, they kept a clean sheet only once, conceding 11 goals during this stretch.
Fortaleza
The setback in an away game against Botafogo ended a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions for Fortaleza—during this time, they found good form. In the Copa Sudamericana, Fortaleza defeated Rosario Central (4:2 on aggregate), who had eliminated Internacional earlier. Fortaleza have earned 15 points in 11 away matches (the seventh-best record in the tournament), remaining unbeaten in seven games.
Internacional — Fortaleza Prediction
In head-to-head meetings with Internacional, Fortaleza are on a three-match unbeaten run (3:0, 1:1, and 1:0). Internacional, a mid-table team, are unlikely to claim all three points against one of the tournament favourites. The best the hosts can hope for is a draw, which has a very good odds.
