Corinthians vs Atlético Goianiense Prediction: Only victory matters for both sides

This Round 27 game features two teams positioned in the relegation zone. Corinthians, one of Brazil's historic clubs, is in 18th place with 25 points, while Atlético Goianiense is 20th and last in the Brasileirão with 20 points. Fluminense is just outside the Z4, in 16th place with 27 points, and will face leader Botafogo in this round, so if Corinthians beats Atlético, it has a good chance of at least catching up with the Cariocas.

Corinthians secured a crucial victory against Fortaleza in the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana. The Paulistas won 2-0 away from home in the first leg and now have the semi-finals in the bag. Few expected this result as the Cearenses hadn't lost at home in 21 games. Fortaleza is, in fact, the only team in the Brasileirão unbeaten at home. Coronado and Yuri Alberto scored the goals for the Timão in a game that helped to forget last weekend's 2-1 defeat against Botafogo. Against Atlético Goianiense, Memphis Depay could make his first appearance for Corinthians, who badly needs a goalscoring striker.

The Dragon is in deep trouble, and relegation to the Série B looks very likely. The Goianos hosted Vitória in the last round and failed when they couldn't. A defeat at home to a direct opponent is a terrible sign. It was the second straight loss for Atlético, currently nine points from 16th place, the lifeline. Every game is decisive for the Goiânia team, and so the only positive result at the Neo Química Arena is to win.

Only a victory matters for both sides. Corinthians and Atlético Goianiense are in the relegation zone, so a draw won't be enough, nor will anything change in the standings. Even a win for Atlético won't get the team out of the last place, but it could give a glimmer of hope. On the other hand, Corinthians can get out of the Z4 in case of victory, but only if Fluminense loses to leader Botafogo. The Paulistas beat Fortaleza in midweek away for the Copa Sudamericana, so they're motivated. I'm backing Corinthians to win with a maximum of four goals scored.