Athletico PR vs. Internacional (Saturday, 8.30pm)
© Reuters
Athletico Paranaense and Internacional will get the ball rolling in round 17 of the Brasileiro Serie A when they go head to head at the Arena da Baixada on Saturday.
The game has all the makings of a proper and nerve-racking contest as both sides head into the weekend separated by just one point and three places in the upper echelons of the table.
We say: Athletico Paranaense 2-1 Internacional
Given the gap between Athletico Paranaense and Internacional in the standings, we expect a thrilling contest with both sides taking the game to each other in search of all three points. However, Scolari's side are unbeaten in seven straight home games against the Colorado and we are backing them to keep this run going by claiming a slender win this weekend.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Flamengo vs. Coritiba (Saturday, 11.00pm)
© Reuters
Seeking to pick up a fifth consecutive home victory across all competitions, Flamengo welcome Coritiba to the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Saturday.
Gustavo Morinigo's side head into the weekend on a run of four consecutive defeats at the hands of the Rubro-Negro since 2017 and will be looking to end this dry spell.
We say: Flamengo 2-1 Coritiba
While Coritiba will be looking to return to winning ways, standing in their way is a spirited Flamengo side who have won each of their last four meetings. Looking at the gulf in quality between the two teams and their contrasting form, we are baking the hosts to come away with all three points.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Avai vs. Santos (Saturday, 11.00pm)
© Reuters
Seeking to snap their run of four consecutive Brasileiro Serie A games without a win, Avai play host to Santos at the Estadio Aderbal Ramos da Silva on Saturday.
The Alvinegro head into the weekend unbeaten in each of the last eight meetings between the sides since 2010 and will look to keep this fine record alive and kicking.
We say: Avai 0-2 Santos
While Avai will be seeking to steer clear of the drop zone, next up is the stern test of facing a resurgent Santos side who are unbeaten in each of their last eight meetings. Santos appear to have hit their stride once again and we are backing them to extend their dominance over the hosts.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Ceara vs. Corinthians (Sunday, 1.00am)
© Reuters
Two teams at opposing ends of the Brasileiro table will meet on Sunday as second-placed Corinthians will be making the trip to face Ceara in their latest league game.
The hosts currently find themselves in the relegation zone heading into this one, but a victory could not only take them out of that, but into the top half of the table.
We say: Ceara 0-2 Corinthians
Ceara have been showcasing their qualities as of late with good defensive performances that have led to them grinding out results on a consistent basis.
Despite that, they are facing one of the strongest teams in the Brasileiro, and the Corinthians are likely going to be too strong for their opponents here.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
