MX23RW : Monday, November 4 21:58:08| >> :600:745756:745756:
[monks data]
Cuiaba
Brasileiro | Gameweek 13
Jun 18, 2022 at 11pm UK
 
Ceara

Cuiaba
0 - 0
Ceara

FT

Cleber (40'), Paraiba (80')

Preview: Cuiaba vs. Ceara - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Brasileiro clash between Cuiaba and Ceara, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Still mired inside the relegation zone following another defeat in midweek, Cuiaba host a Ceara side under new management at Arena Pantanal on Saturday.

While the hosts were beaten for the third time in five Brasileiro matches, their visitors held the reigning champions goalless last time out to remain unbeaten since early May.


Match preview

Cuiaba players huddle before the match on June 6, 2021© Reuters

After following up a win over Corinthians with last Saturday's 1-1 draw at home against Bragantino, when Cuiaba travelled to Rio de Janeiro for their Wednesday night clash with Flamengo, hopes were high of continuing an encouraging upturn.

However, the club from Mato Grasso instead lost their fourth consecutive away match in Serie A, conceding either side of the break to lose 2-0 at the mighty Maracana.

Now with just nine goals from their opening 12 games of the season, Dourado again created little offensively, and they sit 18th in the standings heading into the weekend.

Since slipping out of the Copa Sudamericana at the group stage last month, Cuiaba have picked up only four points in the Brasileiro, so coach Antonio Oliveira remains under pressure to put together a more positive run of results.

The Auriverde manager has characterised Saturday's duel with Ceara as a 'final' - one of many before now and the end of what could be a challenging campaign for a side which narrowly escaped relegation last year.

Ceara's Saulo Mineiro with teammates after the match on June 20, 2021© Reuters

Despite their hosts' difficulties of late, mid-table Ceara would be caught on points if they were to lose at Arena Pantanal, as even with just three league defeats to their name this term, they occupy a modest 13th place.

Vozao recently turned to Marquinhos Santos to help them traverse their way up the tightly-packed standings, as the experienced tactician replaced Flamengo-bound Dorival Junior.

Having previously worked in the Under-15s setup for Brazil's national team, Marquinhos most recently led America-MG to a spot in the Copa Libertadores before departing in April.

His first challenge at Ceara was certainly not the simplest of tasks, as his new club took on one of the favourites for the title on Wednesday - though they did have home advantage in their favour.

Inspired by the support of the Alvinegra faithful, Ceara held on for a 0-0 draw against defending Serie A champions Atletico Mineiro, neutralising the threat of former Selecao forward Hulk in the process.

As a result, they remain only three points adrift of a top-six place, but also have just the same advantage over the bottom four - including this weekend's opponents.

Cuiaba Brasileiro form:
  • D
  • L
  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L

Cuiaba form (all competitions):
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L

Ceara Brasileiro form:
  • D
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • D
  • D


Team News

Cuiaba's Rafael Gava celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates June 23, 2021© Reuters

Following further disappointment in midweek, Cuiaba could make some changes to a losing side and have several options to choose from, as only defender Alan Empereur is set to miss out through injury due to a muscular problem.

The Auriverde employed a 4-1-4-1 formation away to Flamengo, with Camilo being their holding player in midfield, but the loanee from Ligue 1 club Lyon could now operate as part of a central trio back on home soil.

Ceara, meanwhile, should again turn to Richardson and Fernando Sobral to run their engine room, after the pair impressed in the draw with Atletico Mineiro.

Returning from injury in midweek, Luiz Otavio was also integral to the effort in central defence, and the veteran, who has been with Vozao since 2016, will start again. Left-back Bruno Pacheco could be drafted into the back four, as he returns from suspension.

On the injury list, though, are former Shaktar Donetsk forward Dentinho, who has a thigh issue, and well-travelled striker Jael. In their absence, Cleber should feature up front.

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Lucas, Marllon, Paulao, Uendel; Camilo, Pepe, Gava; Luis, Marques, Andre

Ceara possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Macedo, Messias, Otavio, Pacheco; Richardson, Sobral, Richard; Vina, Cleber, Mendoza


SM words green background

We say: Cuiaba 1-2 Ceara

As their struggle to score goals with any regularity goes on, Cuiaba could come up short again this weekend against a Ceara side who have been tough to beat, if not prolific themselves.

The visitors will therefore stretch their advantage over their hosts to six points and edge further up the congested Serie A table.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


ID:488195:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect9620:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Cuiaba vs Ceara

Cuiaba
31.6%
Draw
23.7%
Ceara
44.7%
38
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Flamengo's Gabriel Barbosa celebrates scoring their first goal on February 20, 2022
Read Next:
Saturday's Brasileiro predictions including Internacional vs. Flamengo
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Botafogo31197549262364
2PalmeirasPalmeiras31187653252861
3FortalezaFortaleza32179644321260
4FlamengoFlamengo31167850371355
5InternacionalInternacional311411642281453
6Sao Paulo31156104233951
7Bahia31137114237546
8Cruzeiro31128113633344
9Vasco da GamaVasco31127123643-743
10Atletico Mineiro30101194245-341
11Gremio32116153841-339
12Vitoria32115163746-938
13Fluminense32107152834-637
14CriciumaCriciuma31910123844-637
15Corinthians31811123540-535
16BragantinoBragantino32811133440-635
17Athletico ParanaenseAthletico PR3197153339-634
18JuventudeJuventude32810143851-1334
19Cuiaba32610162541-1628
20Atletico GoianienseAtletico GO3157192350-2722


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!