Prediction: Ceara vs Corinthians

Verdict: Ceara win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Serie A table, Corinthians will make the trip to Ceara in the early hours of Sunday.

Ceara

Starting with the hosts, while Ceara might have seen their Copa do Brasil adventure come to an end earlier in the week, they should be boosted by a gritty second-leg display. Collecting a 1-0 victory against home against Fortaleza in the early hours of Thursday, Head Coach Marquinhos Santos has been vocal about his side’s recent boost. Making an immediate return to winning ways in midweek following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fluminense on July 9th, that is the only loss that Ceara have suffered from their last six matchups across all competitions. Likewise, along with clinching back-to-back victories at the Castelão, it should also be highlighted that Santos’ side are remarkably unbeaten in front of their own supporters since April 30th, a 10-match unbeaten run. However, although Sunday’s hosts might have managed to find a recent boost over the past few weeks, they’re still at the heart of a relegation scrap. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in the drop zone thanks to their goal difference, Ceara will be desperate to spring a real upset here.

Team News

Still dealing with a knock and not expected to make his return until next month, 24-year-old Erick will once again miss out here.

However, after picking up that 1-0 victory against Fortaleza earlier in the week, Ceara could name the same starting XI on Sunday.

Corinthians

As for the visitors, while Corinthians might have managed to extend on their Copa Libertadores run earlier in the week, the Brazilian giants are enduring somewhat of a recent blip. Putting in what was a sluggish display in midweek as they came crashing out of the Copa do Brasil thanks to a 1-0 loss away at Santos, the Whites have managed to win just one of their last six outings within 90 minutes. Losing their spot at the top of the Serie A table and making the trip to the Castelão on Sunday sat one point adrift of Palmeiras, they have shown some worrying issues on the road. Including what was a stunning 4-0 drumming against Fluminense when opening July, it should be highlighted that the Timão have failed to win any of their previous six domestic contests away from the Neo Química Arena. Although Corinthians might have their sights set on climbing back to the top of the table, they will be worried by their last meeting against Ceara. Hit with a 2-1 loss when the two sides faced off last season, Vítor Pereira’s side could be in for a tough test here.

Team News

Corinthians have already confirmed the trio of Renato Augusto, Maycon and Luan when they make the trip to Castelão on Sunday.

Likewise, missing Corinthians last four outings, former Arsenal and Chelsea forward Willian is also not expected to feature here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Sunday’s opponents faced off last season, Ceara picked up a 2-1 victory at the Castelão.
• Corinthians have managed to win just one of their last six outings across all formats within 90 minutes.
• Likewise, the Serie A title contenders have also failed to win any of their last six domestic matchups on the road.
• Ceara are unbeaten in each of their last 10 home fixtures across all formats, a run that stems back to April 30th.
• Five of the last six meetings between Ceara and Corinthians have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While it might be Corinthians who find themselves battling it out at the top of the Serie A table, there is no doubt that Ceara will be smelling a chance here. Extending on their Copa do Brasil run earlier in the week and with just a single defeat from their last six outings, Sunday’s hosts have also continued to sine with their rugged displays at the Castelão. Unbeaten in their previous 10 straight contests in front of their own supporters, they will also be boosted by their most recent meeting against the title chasers. Landing a 2-1 victory when the two sides faced off last season, Ceara will be looking to cash in on a Corinthians side who are in the midst of a recent struggle. Without a win from their last six domestic contests on the road, we’re backing a home win here.

Verdict: Ceara win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: Unibet