Atletico Mineiro - Fortaleza predictions and free betting tips [23/06/2024]

On Monday, 24 June, at 11th round of Brazil's Serie A, Atlético Mineiro will host Fortaleza. The home side are 10th in the standings with 13 points, while the visitors are 12th and last week narrowly defeated Grêmio (1-0).

Stadium

The match will take place in Belo Horizonte at the MRV Arena.

Atlético Mineiro

Atlético Mineiro is somewhat disappointed with the start of the new campaign, currently sitting 10th in the standings with 13 points. The team began the season undefeated in the first seven rounds, winning three times and drawing four, but Gabriel Milito's squad then suffered a series of defeats. Following a 4-0 home defeat to Palmeiras, they experienced another debacle, losing 4-2 to Vitória, who were in the relegation zone at the time (Gustavo Scarpa and Palacios Alzate scored).

Conceding four goals in four consecutive matches after only letting in five in the previous seven games clearly shows a decline in defensive performance, worrying the coaching staff. Furthermore, the team failed to score in three of their last seven encounters. It is worth noting that the black-and-whites hold only the fourth-from-last position in the division for points earned at home (just five in four home games). 

Fortaleza

Fortaleza returned to the top division in 2019 and have since earned several spots in continental tournaments. For instance, last season, the red and blues missed out on a Copa Libertadores spot by just two points. They are currently four points behind the top six, meaning a victory on Sunday would secure their position in the upper part of the table. Juan Pablo Vojvoda's side ended a three-match losing streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Grêmio last week, decided by a single goal from Lucero in the 42nd minute.

Fortaleza is 14th overall in points earned away from home, with just four points from four away matches. Fans may be concerned that their favourites have not scored more than one goal per game in their last four matches in all competitions. Still, Fortaleza has conceded fewer goals than any other team in the lower half of the standings (only 10 goals). 

Head-to-Head

Atlético Mineiro won their previous head-to-head encounter last autumn with a 1-0 scoreline. Fortaleza has only been successful once in the last seven matches against the black-and-whites.

Prediction for Atlético Mineiro vs Fortaleza

Atlético Mineiro enter this match after two consecutive defeats, conceding eight goals in the process, and are motivated to rebound in front of their home fans. The hosts have not lost to Fortaleza at home since 2021, making them favourites to triumph. The visitors have a poor away record, being outside the top 10 in the standings, so a victory for Atlético is likely.

Prediction for Total Goals

Fortaleza has only conceded ten goals in the first nine rounds, so don't expect a high-scoring shootout between these teams. I predict a total of under 3 goals.

Prediction for Corners

Atlético Mineiro will seize the initiative from the outset and attack more frequently, so I back the home side to win the corners count.

Prediction for Yellow Cards

Both sides average around three yellow cards per game this season, so I predict a total of over 4.5 yellow cards.

Prediction for the Score

I predict a 1-0 win for Atlético Mineiro.