It is a rivalry week as Fortaleza looks to overcome Ceara SC in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio Castelao, with kickoff at 2 am.
A run of four league games without a victory has seen the Fortaleza drop to the sixth spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table, while Ceara has climbed to 10th place after an upturn in form.
Ricardo Vilar’s side last won on August 25 when they defeated Atletico Goianiense 2-0 at home, but they’ve drawn one and lost three since then.
Following a 3-0 win against Sporting in December, Fortaleza cemented their place in a strong group in a strong part of the league. Fortaleza’s home form has been particularly good this season.
Victories against Ceara and Palmeiras have been among their biggest goalscoring feats at home this season, while they’ve also hammered lowly Atletico Goianiense by five goals in four separate matches.
Ceara has made a solid start to their Campeonato Cearense campaign, winning and drawing from their first two games.
They will be keen to keep that momentum into a meeting with a Ceara side who have improved since the turn of the year but remain without a point from three games.
Fortaleza vs. Ceara SC Head to Head
Both sides have 63 games against each other with hosts taking 18 wins while opponents with 24 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Red Bull Braganinto 3-0 Fortaleza
- Fortaleza 1-1 Sao Paulo
- Corinthians 1-0 Fortaleza
- America Mineiro 1-2 Fortaleza
- Fortaleza 3-0 Athletico Paranaense
Away
- Ceara SC 2-1 Sport Recife
- Ceara SC 0-1 Floresta
- Athletico Paranense 2-1 Ceara
- Crato 1-5 Ceara
- Ceara 1-0 Cuiaba
Fortaleza Team News
Fortaleza will be without Lucas Crispim (1) and David (3) due to injury but is boosted by the return of midfielder Robson (7). Forward Yago Pikachu is fit to start, with Douglas Santos (22) ready for a potential impact sub appearance after battling his injury concerns.
Ceara SC Team News
Sobral’s return is one of the many changes that will see Ceara once again face one of their Brazilian opponents. Mariners left-back Vina is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Leganes.
Prediction and Odds
We expect a cagey affair this week, given the hostilities between the two sides.
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
- Most Goals: 2H
