Prediction: America MG vs Ituano

Verdict: America MG win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two camps who are seeking a much-needed Serie B boost late on Tuesday night, America MG will welcome Ituano to the Arena Independencia.

America MG

Starting with the hosts, while America MG might have signed off October with a 2-1 victory against Sport Recife, America MG came crashing back down to earth last week. Putting in a toothless performance as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Amazonas, the Gerais-based outfit have continued to struggle with their consistency. Seeking what is a major miracle in the race to book an immediate Serie A return this season, Tuesday’s hosts have collected just a single win from any of their previous five showdowns against second-tier opposition. However, despite their glaring issues on the road, America MG will be excited by their success in front of their own supporters. In fact, along with collecting 13 points from their last five appearances at the Arena Independencia, the Rabbits have remarkably not suffered a single defeat on home soil over the past 12 months.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, America MG will once again be without the likes of Martin Benitez, Felipe Azevedo and former Gremio youngster Gustavinho.

Recording four goals in his previous five appearances, former Botafogo striker Brenner will play a leading role in the final third. Arriving from Greek outfit OFI Crete earlier in the year, Brazilian defender Lucao will partner Ricardo Silva at the back.

Ituano

As for the visitors, although Ituano might have claimed a much-needed 1-0 victory against Botafogo last month, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for Alberto Valentim’s camp. Last seen suffering a collapse on home soil as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss at home against CRB, the Roosters have an almighty battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their Serie B status. Opening up the midweek fixtures sat five points adrift of safety, Tuesday’s guests are pencilled in as a landslide underdog here. Signing off October with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Serie B leaders Santos, Ituano have lost four of their previous five appearances. Likewise, it should also be noted that the Sao Paulo-based outfit have lost seven of their last nine showdowns against second-tier opposition.

Team News

Juggling what has quickly become a stacked treatment room, Ituano will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Ze Edouardo, Lipe and veteran defender Eduardo Diniz here. However, returning to Valentim’s squad last month, Luis Gustavo could feature.

Although former Bragantino marksman Thonny Anderson might have registered just a single strike since the middle of September, the 26-year-old should keep his spot leading the line.

Key Factors to Consider

• When America MG and Ituano last met back on July 24th, Tuesday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate.
• Despite their recent inconstancies, America MG have not suffered a single home defeat over the past 12 months.
• Ituano have lost four of their previous five Serie B appearances.
• Likewise, Tuesday’s guests have lost seven of their last nine showdowns against Serie B opposition.
• The previous two meetings between America MG and Ituano has produced just a single goal at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Continuing to gain a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil, America MG should be smelling another golden opportunity in midweek. Remarkably not suffering a single defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 12 months, Tuesday’s hosts are rightfully pencilled in as a leading contender here. Meeting an Ituano squad who find themselves at the heart of a public Serie B nightmare, we are backing a home victory at the Arena Independencia.

Verdict: America MG win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet