Palmeiras vs. Fortaleza Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 21 September 2025

As we enter the 24th round of Serie A, Palmeiras, currently in 3rd place, will host 19th-placed Fortaleza. Palmeiras have had a solid season, having not lost in 10 consecutive matches in this tournament, which showcases their consistency and defensive solidity.

Palmeiras’ key player, Vitor Roque, who turned his form around after initial criticism, will likely lead the attack with his impressive record of 8 goals this season. Driven by Abel Ferreira’s experienced guidance, Palmeiras aim to continue their winning streak and maintain their title push.

Fortaleza, coached by Martin Palermo, faces a tough challenge, especially given their defensive struggles and numerous injuries. With just 18 points, they desperately need a positive result but will meet resilience from a team that has scored in 73% of their home matches.

According to bookmakers, Palmeiras are the clear favorite, with odds at 1.34 for a home win. Given Fortaleza’s defensive frailties, a recommended bet could be Palmeiras -1.25 (AH). Expect a high-scoring game as more than 2.5 goals have been scored in 78% of their last encounters.

Prediction: Palmeiras 3 – 1 Fortaleza.

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction & Betting Tip

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Palmeiras -1.25 (AH)	1.34

Backing Palmeiras -1.25 Asian Handicap against Fortaleza is a confident recommendation for a convincing home win. Palmeiras are dominant at home, with strong attacking depth and control over matches, while Fortaleza often struggles defensively when playing away against top sides.

• Palmeiras have not lost in 10 consecutive matches in this tournament.
• More than 2.5 goals have been scored in 78% of the past encounters between these teams.
• Fortaleza is dealing with numerous injuries and is currently positioned 19th on the table, making it a challenging outing for them.

Expect Palmeiras to secure a comfortable margin and assert their home superiority.

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Odds

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Palmeiras	1.34
Draw	4.70
Fortaleza	8.82

As we dive into the odds for this clash, it’s clear that Palmeiras are the heavy favourite. With odds of 1.34 for a home win, the bookmakers are quite confident in Abel Ferreira’s side securing all three points. A draw stands at 4.70, which might appeal to those expecting a surprise result. For the real risk-takers, a Fortaleza win offers lucrative odds at 8.82.

Palmeiras are on a ten-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, which significantly boosts their chances against a struggling Fortaleza. Conversely, Fortaleza has only managed 18 points and sits at 19th in the table, making their odds reflective of a challenging match ahead.

Palmeiras Team Analysis

Palmeiras Recent Performance

Palmeiras are in a strong position as they prepare to face Fortaleza, boasting an impressive recent run of form with a sequence of DWDWW in their last five matches. Their unbeaten streak is a testament to their defensive solidity and their offensive prowess. In these matches, they’ve averaged 2.00 goals per game while keeping 2 clean sheets, which highlights their balanced approach to both attacking and defending.

Key victories include a 4-1 thrashing of Internacional and a 3-0 win over Sport Recife, showcasing their scoring capabilities. Their recent 1-2 away win against River Plate in the Copa Libertadores also underscores their resilience and ability to perform on big stages.

With Abel Ferreira at the helm, Palmeiras continue to look like serious title contenders, and they’ll be keen to extend their unbeaten run against a struggling Fortaleza side.

Palmeiras Key Players

Vitor Roque stands out as Palmeiras’ top scorer with 8 goals this season. The 20-year-old striker has been on an impressive run, contributing to 10 goals in the last seven matches (6 goals, 4 assists). His recent hat-trick against Internacional in Serie A highlights his potential.

Felipe Anderson and Andreas Pereira offer further attacking threat, often making crucial runs and providing assists from the wings and midfield respectively.

Expect José Manuel López to orchestrate attacks from the centre, while Gustavo Gomez leads the defensive line, ensuring a strong backline.

Palmeiras’ Expected Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Weverton
• Defenders: Khellven, Gustavo Gomez, Murilo Cerqueira, Joaquín Piquerez
• Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Aníbal Moreno, Felipe Anderson, José Manuel López, Facundo Torres
• Forward: Vitor Roque

This lineup underlines the depth and versatility that manager Abel Ferreira can deploy as they aim to assert dominance over Fortaleza.

Palmeiras Suspensions & Injuries

Palmeiras will be without the services of Figueiredo and Paulinho, both of whom are out for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury and a shin injury, respectively. These absences could affect the team’s depth, particularly in defensive positions, given Figueiredo’s usual role. Paulinho’s absence may also reduce the midfield options for coach Abel Ferreira, but the squad’s depth should help mitigate these losses.

The rest of the starting lineup remains intact, which is crucial for maintaining their impressive form. Abel Ferreira has managed to rotate his squad effectively, keeping key players fresh for vital fixtures, including their title push and Copa Libertadores campaigns.

Palmeiras Tactics and Formation

Palmeiras, under the experienced guidance of Abel Ferreira, typically employ a well-organized 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup allows them to maintain a solid defensive base while offering flexibility in attacking transitions.

Palmeiras Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vitor Roque
• Midfield Duo: Andreas Pereira and Aníbal Moreno
• Defensive Resilience: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Attacking Strategy: Heavy forward press and quick wing play

With the likes of Felipe Anderson and Facundo Torres on the wings, Palmeiras utilize their pace to stretch the opposition’s defense. Vitor Roque spearheads the attack, capitalizing on his form to create and finish scoring opportunities.

By combining defensive solidity with attacking flair, Palmeiras are well-equipped to maintain their unbeaten run and assert dominance over struggling Fortaleza.

Fortaleza Team Analysis

Fortaleza Recent Performance

Fortaleza’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, following a pattern of LLLLW in their last five matches. Their solitary win came in their most recent fixture, a 2-0 victory over Vitoria, which offers a glimmer of hope for improvement.

Across these games, Fortaleza struggled to find the back of the net consistently, averaging only 0.80 goals per game and maintaining a single clean sheet. Key losses include a 2-1 defeat against Internacional and a 2-0 loss to Velez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores Final Stage.

Currently sitting 19th in the table with 18 points, Fortaleza must improve their defensive structure and seek more consistency in attack if they are to avoid relegation.

Fortaleza Key Players

Breno Lopes is Fortaleza’s top scorer with 4 goals this season, making him a vital player for their attacking efforts. However, the team has struggled overall, reflecting their current 19th position in the table.

Juan Martin Lucero partners Breno Lopes up front and adds an additional attacking threat, though converting opportunities has been challenging.

Defensively, Emanuel Britez and Gaston Avila will have their work cut out for them against a relentless Palmeiras attack, anchored by Vitor Roque.

Expected lineup for Fortaleza:

• Goalkeeper: Joao Ricardo
• Defenders: Eros Mancuso, Emanuel Britez, Gaston Avila, Bruno Pacheco
• Midfielders: Pierre, Matheus Pereira, Lucca Prior, Yago Pikachu
• Forwards: Juan Martin Lucero, Breno Lopes

This lineup underscores the significance of fortified defensive strategies and tactical discipline if they are to stand any chance against Palmeiras.

Fortaleza Suspensions & Injuries

Fortaleza is currently grappling with a significant injury list. Moisés, Bruninho, Brenno Costa, Benjamin Kuscevic, Emmanuel Martinez, and Marcelo Benevenuto are all dealing with thigh injuries and are expected to return in late September 2025. Additionally, Tinga is also sidelined with a thigh injury but is likely to be back within 1-2 weeks.

These injuries could severely impact Fortaleza’s depth and tactical flexibility, especially in defense and midfield. Coach Martin Palermo will need to rely heavily on his fit squad members, making it a challenging task to secure a positive result against Palmeiras.

No suspensions have been reported, which provides some relief for strategizing the lineup.

Fortaleza Tactics and Formation

Fortaleza, under the management of Martin Palermo, typically lines up in a 4-4-2 formation. This structure aims to provide both defensive solidity and balance in midfield, though their defensive record suggests room for improvement.

Fortaleza Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Breno Lopes
• Midfield Duo: Matheus Pereira and Lucca Prior
• Defensive Concerns: Just one clean sheet in the last five games
• Attacking Strategy: Utilizes the wings for quick crosses into the box

Fortaleza will likely focus on being compact defensively, given their recent struggles and numerous injuries. They will aim to counter through the speed of players like Yago Pikachu and leverage Breno Lopes’ scoring abilities to exploit any gaps in Palmeiras’ defense.

Palmeiras vs Fortaleza Head-to-Head Statistics

In the last five meetings between Palmeiras and Fortaleza, the matches have often been high-scoring with plenty of drama. Here’s a quick rundown:

• 2025-04-20: Fortaleza 1 – 2 Palmeiras (Serie A)
• 2024-10-26: Palmeiras 2 – 2 Fortaleza (Serie A)
• 2024-06-27: Fortaleza 3 – 0 Palmeiras (Serie A)
• 2023-11-26: Fortaleza 2 – 2 Palmeiras (Serie A)
• 2023-05-31: Fortaleza 1 – 0 Palmeiras (Cup)

These matchups show that Fortaleza has managed to compete closely with Palmeiras over the years. Notably, Fortaleza came out on top with a 3-0 win and a Cup victory in 2024. However, recent form favours Palmeiras, who won their last meeting in April 2025.

With more than 2.5 goals scored in 78% of their past encounters, fans can expect another exciting game.

Odds accurate as of 19.09.2025 01:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.