Bitesize Prediction: Criciuma vs Vila Nova – 23/08/23

Competition: Brazil Serie B

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 4/7 @ Pribet

Two sides who are firmly scrapping it out in the top-four chase, Criciuma will welcome Vila Nova to the Heriberto Hulse in the early hours of Wednesday.

Starting with the hosts, while Criciuma might open up Wednesday’s showdown sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the promotion places, the Tigers are seeking some much-needed stability. Although Claudio Tencati’s side might have claimed a crucial 2-0 victory at home against Londrina earlier in the month, the Santa Catarina-based outfit certainly came crashing back down to earth over the weekend. Putting in a nightmare performance away at Ituano as they eventually slumped to a 3-0 drumming, the former Vitoria boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous eight Serie B appearances – a run that stems back to July 8th. However, facing what could be a season-deciding battle in the early hours of Wednesday, Criciuma will be excited by their continued success on home soil. Including back-to-back victories against Londrina and Ponte Preta since opening August, it should be noted that Tencati’s men have seen four of their previous five home fixtures finish with over 1.5 goals.

As for the visitors, while Vila Nova might have opened August in the midst of a nightmare five-match winless run, the Reds have come roaring back. Last seen over the weekend putting in a rugged performance on home soil as they landed a 2-0 victory against Mirassol, Claudinei Oliveira’s men have now collected seven points from their previous three Serie B showdowns. With their recent flurry highlighted by a 2-0 victory away at Juventude on August 7th, the Goias-based outfit will be desperate to make a major statement here. Holding a one-point buffer over Wednesday’s hosts and currently sat in pole position to book a top-flight return this season, neutrals could certainly be treated to a crucial showdown from the Heriberto Hulse. It should be noted, with Vila Nova seeing five of their last six Serie B appearances finish with over 1.5 goals, a similar outcome here can be found at appealing odds.

Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Criciuma vs Vila Nova 4/7 for Wednesday’s Brazil Serie B battle @ Pribet