Athletico Paranaense - Criciuma predictions and free betting tips [13/06/2024]

Today Atletico Paranaense will host Criciuma in the 8th round of the Brazilian Serie A. Kuka's squad had over a week to recover from their 1-0 loss to Fortaleza, while the visitors were recently thrashed by Cuiaba and are currently positioned in the relegation zone. 

Atletico Paranaense

Having been crowned Brazilian champions in 2001, "The Hurricanes" have since been unable to conquer the nation's top division. It's now time to re-establish Atletico Paranaense among Brazil's elite clubs, and it seems this vision has resonated with the players. The team currently sits 5th in the league table, just 3 points off leaders Botafogo, who have already played their match this round. However, the red-and-blacks have recently slipped into a crisis, suffering three consecutive defeats, the latest being a 1-0 loss to Fortaleza in the league, following two setbacks in the Copa Sudamericana group stage against Danubio (1-2) and Ameliano (0-1). These defeats relegated Paranaense to second place in their group, setting up a clash with Cerro Porteno for a spot in the Round of 16.  

It’s important to note that Paranaense performs outstandingly at home, having won their last four league matches at Arena Ligga without conceding a single goal! Vinicius Kahu is expected to remain sidelined due to injury; the experienced Fernandinho (formerly of Manchester City) has had a stellar campaign with 2 goals and 2 assists in the Copa Sudamericana but has been unavailable since mid-May due to health issues. Uruguayan midfielder Canobbio, who has scored twice in the league, will start, as will Pablo (7 goals in the league and 2 assists last season). Meanwhile, Mastriani, who has only netted once this campaign, shone in the Copa Sudamericana with five goals in the group stage, and will likely start.

Criciuma

Recently promoted to the top flight, Criciuma has yet to adapt to competing among the country's best and is thus entrenched in the relegation zone. Currently, the visitors sit 17th in the Serie A table, but there's no need to panic: Fluminense is just one point ahead of them, and more than half the season remains. In their five matches in the national campaign, Criciuma has secured one win, two draws, and suffered two defeats. The two recent setbacks came against Palmeiras (1-2) and Cuiaba (2-5), with goals from Mateusinho and Tobias Figueiredo. In the Brazilian Cup, Criciuma couldn't overcome Bahia, losing both legs (1-0 and 0-2) and exiting at the 1/16 final stage. Criciuma's away form is not dire: they've lost just once in their last four outings across all competitions and haven’t conceded more than once per match during this period.

Trauco was sent off just 14 minutes after coming on in the previous round and will be suspended on Friday. Additionally, Guilherme and Felipe Mateus (2 goals in 3 appearances) are out due to injuries, while Wilker Angel has been called up for the Venezuela national team. Mateusinho (3 goals in 4 league matches) and Yannick Bolasie (former player of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Everton, and Swansea), who has scored just once in the league so far, will probably feature in the starting line-up. Rodrigo and Figueiredo will form the central defence pairing, with the dynamic Jonathan and Hermes occupying the flanks.

Head-to-Head

Only three of the last 13 head-to-head matches with Atletico Paranaense ended in victory for Criciuma, and the Tigers lost the last three encounters without scoring a single goal.

Match Prediction: Atletico Paranaense vs Criciuma

Both teams desperately need a win, especially Criciuma, entrenched in the relegation zone. However, despite two Copa Sudamericana home losses, Atletico Paranaense has been flawless in the league, securing nine points from their first three home games. I don’t see how the visitors can pose a significant threat, so I’m backing the red-and-blacks to win with a -1 handicap.