Prediction: Criciuma vs Fortaleza

Verdict: Fortaleza double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend on their stellar purple patch in midweek, Fortaleza will travel to Criciuma late on Wednesday night.

Criciuma

Starting with the hosts, while Criciuma might have opened July with a much-needed 1-0 victory against Cruzeiro, the Tigers have continued to struggle with their consistency since opening up the 2024 campaign. Although Claudio Tencati’s side might have made their Serie A return this season, the Santa Catarina-based outfit have a real battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their top-flight status. Last seen over the weekend falling to a 2-1 defeat away at Flamengo, the former Vitoria boss has seen his squad muster just a single point from any of their previous four Serie A appearances. Holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone, Wednesday’s hosts have also gained a reputation for their extended defensive struggles. Including a 2-1 loss against Corinthians, Criciuma have collected just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 15 matchups across all competitions.

Team News

Shown what was a costly second-half booking away at Flamengo last weekend, one-time Estoril star Allano will miss out on Wednesday night as the 29-year-old serves a one-match suspension. Likewise, dealing with a recent knock, it remains to be seen if ex-America MG midfielder Matheusinho will feature here.

Failing to find the net in any of his previous six Serie A appearances, veteran striker Arthur Caike could be dropped to the bench. Venezuela international Wilker Angel will once again partner skipper Rodrigo at the heart of Tencati’s defence.

Fortaleza

As for the visitors, making another statement last weekend as they stormed their way to a 3-1 romp at home against Atletico GO, Fortaleza are enjoying a stunning flurry. In fact, springing a heavyweight statement on July 12th as they clinched a famous 2-1 win away at Brazilian giants Flamengo, Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Skyrocketing their way up the Serie A standings and with their sights firmly set on securing a Copa Libertadores ticket this season, Wednesday’s guests have now won all of their previous four appearances by an aggregate score of 9-3. Battling it out in the top-four chase and continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across Brazil’s elite, Fortaleza have remarkably collected 18 points from their last seven Serie A showdowns. Likewise, with just a single top-flight defeat to their name since back on June 16th, Vojvoda’s high-flying squad should be smelling a potential opportunity here.

Team News

Shown a second-half red card away during last weekend’s 3-1 win against Atletico GO, Chile international Benjamin Kuscevic will serve a one-match suspension on Wednesday night. However, while Fortaleza might be unable to call upon the former Palmeiras defender here, they have reported a clean bill of health.

Recording six goals in his previous eight Serie A appearances and enjoying what has been a real flurry over the past month, 32-year-old Juan Lucero will play a leading role in the final third. Despite returning from a recent knock last week, ex-Ponte Preta striker Moises will be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• Fortaleza have won all of their previous four consecutive Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 9-3.
• Wednesday’s guests have collected 18 points from just their last seven Serie A matchups.
• Criciuma have mustered just a single point from any of their previous four Serie A appearances.
• The Tigers have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 15 appearances across all competitions.
• Six of Criciuma’s last seven matchups at the Heriberto Hulse have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Making another statement last weekend as they secured a thumping 3-1 victory against Atletico GO, Fortaleza will be seeking a repeat performance here. Winning all of their previous four Serie A appearances and firmly battling it out in the top-four chase, Wednesday’s guests are riding a major wave of momentum. Mustering 18 points from their previous seven top-flight battles, the Tricolor will be looking to cash in on a Criciuma squad that are in the midst of a real rut.

Verdict: Fortaleza double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster