Fortaleza vs Corinthians Prediction: A pole position for the Copa Sudamericana?

This next Série A match features two teams facing each other in one of the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals. The first leg takes place on September 27 in São Paulo, and the second leg a week later in Fortaleza. So, with such little time left, it's safe to say that this Brasileirão match could act as a sort of pole position; whoever wins this game will have a psychological advantage going into the Copa Sudamericana.

The Lion wasn't lucky in the last round, losing away 1-0 to Fluminense with a goal conceded in added time. The Cearenses played a good game, shooting more times than the Cariocas, but they weren't successful. The defeat interrupted a five-game winning streak, including the two Copa Sudamericana matches. Fortaleza is eighth in the table, four points from sixth place, which grants access to the qualifying round of next season's Copa Libertadores. In addition to the three points at stake, this match with Corinthians can be a chance to show the Paulistas that Fortaleza can play an international final.

The Timão drew 0-0 at home to Palmeiras in the Derby Paulista. Despite the Verdão's slight superiority, Corinthians managed to pick up a point against its big rival. It was the eighth consecutive unbeaten game in the Série A and the third draw in a row for Vanderlei Luxemburgo's team, which currently sits in 13th place. Corinthians has only two away victories, the last one two months ago against Atlético-MG, with a goal from Róger Guedes, who moved to Qatar and is still the team's top scorer. Winning at the Castelão isn't easy, as Fortaleza has only lost twice at home, so Corinthians will need to be at a high level to bring a positive result back from Ceará.

I'm betting on a tactical game with few goals. Both teams are competent defensively, and I think they'll play to expectation. Both coaches will want to study the opponent and perhaps keep some secrets for the Copa Sudamericana. I'm betting on a game with a maximum of two goals.