Athletico-PR vs Fluminense Prediction: Two strong teams face off in an even fight

This Round 21 match puts two high-quality teams head-to-head. Last year, Fluminense finished third, Athletico sixth, and both qualified for the Copa Libertadores. The Paranaenses have already been eliminated from the South American competition, while this week, the Cariocas beat Olimpia at the Maracanã 2-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals. Fluminense will travel to Paraguay to play the second leg after the game against Athletico, so Fernando Diniz, coach of Flu and Brazil's national team, will probably have to give up some starters for this tricky match in Curitiba.

The Hurricane hasn't lost for six games in the Série A and is in sixth place. The club's target is to return to the Copa Libertadores next year. In their last match, the Paranaenses, despite taking the lead with a goal from future Barcelona player Vitor Roque, conceded a late equalizer to Goiás. Back at home, Athletico wants to win and overtake Fluminense in the table, as the Cariocas have just two more points. In ten home games, Athletico-PR won seven, drew two, and lost just once in the Brasileirão.

Fluminense would rather play a more accessible opponent in the middle of a Copa Libertadores knockout round, but the Cariocas weren't lucky. With the players tired and the second leg taking place a few days after the Athletico game, the team that will take to the field at the Ligga Arena is unlikely to be Flu's strongest squad. This match won't be easy for the Tricolor, who struggles away from home. In the league, the team away has only won twice, its last victory coming three months ago at the Mineirão against Cruzeiro.

Athletico has the better odds in this game. The Paranaenses are strong at home, while the Cariocas aren't very comfortable in away games. In addition, Fluminense's players had a demanding midweek match for the Copa Libertadores. A few days after the Athletico fixture, the Tricolor travels to Paraguay, so there may be some rotation in the team. I'm betting that Athletico won't lose with at least two goals scored in this game.