What’s at Stake
- Bragantino sits on the edge of the top four and will reach 20 points if they dispatch a side that owns one of the division’s worst away records.
- Juventude arrive in the bottom four after a six-game winless skid. Anything less than a draw keeps them rooted in the relegation places.
Bragantino: Confidence Restored
Fernando Seabra’s men saw a five-match league winning run halted by a draw at Grêmio and a narrow home loss to Palmeiras. They bounced back emphatically in the Copa do Brasil, hammering Criciúma 6-0 as Alex Barbosa netted a hat-trick. The Bulls now look to transfer that cup momentum into league play.
Key Notes
- Five wins and a draw in their last seven competitive outings at Nabi Abi Chedid.
- Forward Isidro Pitta (hip) is a doubt; backup striker Eduardo Sasha is also nursing a knock.
- Barbosa’s mid-week treble and teenager Thiago Borbas offer fresh attacking options.
Juventude: Travel Sickness
Cláudio Tencati’s side has lost all four league matches on the road, conceding 16 goals and scoring just once. Defensive organisation remains the glaring issue: opponents average 17 shots per game against them, the worst in Serie A.
Key Notes
- Overall run of one win in eight league fixtures.
- Winger Énio is unlikely to start amid off-field investigation; veteran Gilberto should fill the left flank, with Mandaca ready to rotate.
- Goalkeeper Gustavo has been busy, recording a league-high saves tally but receiving little protection.
Probable Line-ups
| Bragantino (4-3-3) | Juventude (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| Cleiton | Gustavo |
| Aderlan, Luan Cândido, Pedro Henrique, Juninho Capixaba | João Lucas, Danilo Boza, Zé Marcos, Alan Ruschel |
| Jadsom, Matheus Fernandes, Eric Ramires | Jadson, Caíque |
| Vitinho, Alex Barbosa, Thiago Borbas | Gilberto, Mandaca, Gabriel “Billa” |
| Rodrigo Rodrigues |
Line-ups are subject to late fitness tests.
Tactical Snapshot
- Bragantino presses high and switches quickly to wide runners. Expect heavy crossing toward back-post overloads.
- Juventude will likely defend deep in two banks and seek counters through Mandaca’s direct dribbling or long diagonals to Gilberto.
Prediction & Betting Angle
Juventude’s travel numbers are alarming, and Bragantino rarely drops points at home to bottom-half opponents. With the Bulls’ attack firing again, a home win by two clear goals looks attainable.
Score Forecast: Bragantino 3-1 Juventude
Value Tip: Bragantino -1 handicap
