High stakes are on the line in Round 31 of the Brasileirao as title-chasing Palmeiras travel to Curitiba to take on in-form Athletico Paranaense at the Arena da Baixada.
Trailing league leaders Flamengo by just a single point, Palmeiras could climb to the summit of the table with a victory, provided Bahia take points off the frontrunners. However, Abel Ferreira's side faces a stern challenge against an Athletico outfit eager to tighten their grip on automatic qualification for next season's Copa Libertadores group stage.
Currently sitting third in the standings, the Furacão come into the fixture on a four-game unbeaten streak. Under head coach Odair Hellmann, the Curitiba side has turned their home ground into a fortress, having suffered just one league defeat on home soil throughout the campaign.
Recent Form
Athletico Paranaense are winless in their last two clashes against Palmeiras. Both sides enter the match following victories in their previous Brasileirao outings.
Predicted Lineups
Athletico Paranaense (3-4-2-1): Mycael; Aguirre, Arthur, Dias, Lucas Esquivel; Gilberto, Jádson, Luiz Gustavo, Mendoza; Leozinho, João Cruz; Viveros.
Manager: Odair Hellmann.
Palmeiras (3-4-2-1): Carlos Miguel; Murilo, Bruno Fuchs, Alexander Barboza; Khellven, Andreas Pereira, Marlon Freitas, Piquerez; Mauricio, Arias; Flaco López.
Manager: Abel Ferreira.
Team News & Injuries
Athletico Parananense will be without Dantas, Gastón Benavídez and Kerwin Vargas, who remain sidelined through injury.
Palmeiras travel without injured duo Jefté and Vitor Roque. In addition, Abel Ferreira must adjust his backline due to suspensions handed down to Agustín Giay and captain Gustavo Gómez.
Kick-Off Time and How to Watch
The match between Athletico Paranaense and Palmeiras will take place at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, kicking off at 6:30 PM ET on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Viewers in the United States can catch live television coverage on Fubo and bet365's Live Streaming Service.
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This article was written by Luiz Pêcego of the bet365 news team.
