Home series against the top scorer leader: prediction for Corinthians vs Athletico Paranaense
The 21st round clash of the Brazilian Championship between Corinthians and Athletico Paranaense will take place on July 30 at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. The hosts currently sit ninth with 28 points from 20 matches, while the visitors are third with 36 points.
Corinthians: Diniz's side looking much more solid
Corinthians extended their unbeaten run in the league to four matches after a 1-1 draw with Bahia. Fabricio Angileri opened the scoring early in the game, but the team failed to build on their advantage and conceded before halftime.
Since Fernando Diniz took charge, the hosts have improved their defensive organization and have been picking up points more consistently. Their confidence is bolstered by a strong home record against Athletico: Corinthians are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with this opponent at Neo Química Arena.
Athletico Paranaense: the perfect season restart
Athletico have resumed the championship after the break in style, claiming back-to-back victories. Mauricio Barbieri's men came from behind to beat São Paulo 2-1, then followed up with a commanding 2-0 win over Internacional.
The visitors have conceded just 19 goals in 20 rounds and remain one of the league's most dangerous teams on the counterattack. The main threat to the hosts' defense will be Kevin Viveros, who tops the scoring charts with 12 goals.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Corinthians are unbeaten in four consecutive league matches.
- The hosts haven't lost to Athletico Paranaense in their last seven home games.
- Kevin Viveros has scored 12 goals and leads the Serie A scoring race.
Points could be shared: prediction for Corinthians vs Athletico Paranaense
Corinthians have become much harder to beat and traditionally look strong at home against this opponent. However, a congested schedule with Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores fixtures could impact their squad selection and intensity.
Athletico Paranaense arrive in excellent form and boast one of the league's most dangerous strikers. Still, Corinthians' home resilience and both sides' organized defenses make a closely contested draw the most likely outcome.
