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Sport Recife vs Figueirense Each of these teams has drawn twice in the opening two rounds. Both have exhibited a lack of rhythm (still missing key starters) and lack of physical conditioning to maintain intensity during matches. The home team has greater competition in the defensive sector and, unsurprisingly, has so far displayed a consistent defensive system (defending and playing the ball out of defence). But the team comes from a 1-1 draw away to Bragantino; during which they conceded a 5th minute goal, had to pull a goal back and eventually weathered opposition pressure to preserve the draw after suffering a red card in the72nd minute. The visitors have had a rather mediocre 2019 and come into this match having gone 7 games without winning. The team had been struggling to score in recent matches but displayed offensive reaction in the last round, coming from behind twice for a 2-2 draw at home to Sao Bento. The reason was the debut of newly-signed experienced striker Rafael Marquez who was mainly deployed as a play-maker. Marquez also played for the hosts last year, but performed rather poorly there. Both teams facing pressure to secure their first win. Host-Coach Guto Fereira clearly seeks more defensive evolution but is under pressure to attack and win at home. Visiting Coach Hemerson Maria, amidst turbulence off-pitch (financial problems and club restructuring), approaches this away game knowing his team has lesser quality but is counting on greater intensity, quick transitions and better attacking efficiency. BTTS

The Serie B has now gone two rounds, with the third round running this weekend. Please note some salient points in this year’s championship: The first relates to finances. Brazil’s FA, the CBF, made a rather drastic decision to end the so-called “parachute funds” previously paid to newly-demoted clubs from Serie A. This change, valid from 2019 to the 2022 edition, reflects a gigantic loss of revenue and erosion of a clear competitive advantage for the demoted clubs seeking an immediate promotion back to Serie A. Therefore, the first victims of this change are America MG, Parana, Sport Recife, and Vitoria. Further, for the first time, the funds from television transmission rights will be shared equally by the 20 participating teams. Geographically, half of the teams in this year’s championship are based in the interior of Brazil and the other half is spread around the capitals. In all, 10 Brazilian states are represented. The state with the most representation is Sao Paulo with 6 teams (Botafogo SP, Bragantino, Guarani, Oeste, Ponte Preta and Sao Bento); followed by Parana with 4 teams (Coritiba, Londrina, Operario and Parana); Santa Catarina and Goias have two teams each; while 6 states have one representative each ie Alagoas, Bahia, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Sul. This edition features many teams that know the competition well, even with a tradition of winning it (nine of the 20 teams previously won the title). Further, this edition has attracted a notable number of veteran, well-known Brazilian footballers, spread in 19 out of the 20 teams; with names like Goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Right-back Maicon, Right-back Luis Ricardo, Centre-back Kanu, Midfielder Danilo, Midfielder Edcarlos, Striker Rafael Marques, Striker Eder Luis, Striker Dagoberto, Striker Ze Carlos, Striker Hernane Brocador, etc. This is the back-drop to what will be an intriguing Serie B campaign!

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Coritiba vs Sport Recife Hosts will have the Couto Pereira stadium available again, after a three-week period of re-laying the turf (planting winter grass). After conceding 6 goals and scoring two in three matches, the priority last week was on the team re-discovering its defensive and offensive balance. But the team is facing 3 key absences in the defensive system: centre-back Werley (injured), right-back Leo (injured) and central midfielder Jonas (suspended). However, defensive midfielders Marcio and Wallison Maia plus newly-hired defender Luizao are available. Coach Pachequinho is set to maintain his philosophy of dominating the midfield. Team finalized preparation with particular attention to dead-ball situations. The visitors, Sport Recife, are enjoying a good phase; five games unbeaten in all competitions, and four consecutive wins without conceding a goal. The defensive improvement has been notable; with marking starting at the front and defensive performance remaining consistent despite changes in the central defence pairing. They played in mid-week; winning 2-0 at home to Argentina’s Arsenal Sarandi in the Copa Sudamericana. Midfielder Thomas returns from injury but the team will miss their key attacking midfielder Diego Souza, who is still distracted by possible transfer to another club. Without three key defensive pieces, hosts’ Coach Pachequinho will go for an even more conservative approach in this game; while the visiting Luxemburgo will also seek to maintain a tight defence as he is set to miss his main attacking outlet. Under 2.5 goals.

Vasco vs Flamengo Vasco is strong at home (5 wins and only one loss so far); and comes into this match buoyed after gaining its first point away from home (2-2 away to Coritiba). Vasco also has the psychological edge in this fixture; winning five, drawing four and losing only one in the last 10 ties with Flamengo. However, the hosts will have three key absences: defender Breno plus defensive midfielders Jean and Douglas Soares. Striker Luis Fabiano returns from suspension. Overall, Vasco’s squad quality has been affected by the club’s delicate financial situation, with players’ wages for the month of May paid this Thursday. The visitors, Flamengo, have emerged from a tight financial squeeze and are beginning to reap the rewards – in terms of new players hired, sponsorships, revenues and the payroll. And this is beginning to show on the field. They come into this match in top form; gaining 13 points from their last five games (four wins and one draw), scoring 12 goals and conceding only 3. They have shown that the league is a priority by reserving key players in Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana away tie against Chile’s Palestino (which they still won 5-2). This is a traditional Rio de Janeiro derby; where priority is to avoid a loss and for players to display a good performance. While form and squad quality favor the visitors, this will be their third game in eight days - and Flamengo Coach Ze Ricardo will put more emphasis on maintaining tactical organization. The hosts are fresher but are missing three key pieces in their defensive system – and Vasco Coach Milton Mendez will prepare his team to be more aggressive in marking. Under 1.5 goals. Corinthians vs Ponte Preta Serie A Table-leaders Corinthians are already 7 points ahead of second-placed Gremio; and remains the only undefeated team so far, with 9 wins and two draws in 11 games played. Despite facing a Paulista derby against Palmeiras next Wednesday, Corinthians Coach Fabio Carille has opted to go for maximum strength in this match, to maintain the focus of his players and go for the three points. He has opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation and makes two changes: Paraguayan attacker Romero returns from suspension while right-back Leo Principe replaces the suspended Fagner. In the last five games, Ponte Preta gained 5 points from one win, two draws and two losses; scoring only two goals and conceding four. Ponte Preta Coach Gilson Kleina also deploys his maximum force in a 4-4-2 formation and makes five changes: bringing back full-back Nino Paraiba and midfielder Elton (both preserved in Monday’s o-o draw away to Avai); while three other players return from suspension – central defender Rodrigo, attacking midfielder Renato Caja and forward Emerson Sheik. Despite the 14-points difference, this is still a Paulista derby with two full teams going at each other. BTTS Atletico Go vs Vitoria Hosts are bottom of the league, with coach and players under fire. Team is struggling to score and has been largely defensive in recent games. They got their first point in 4 games in the last match at home against a reserve side of Santos – they led the game early in first half before going a man down in the second half and conceding the equalizer. They now face a direct confrontation against Vitoria – a win enables them to leave the bottom spot. Vitoria is also in the relegation zone, just two points ahead of the hosts. They have displayed a decline in offensive production in the last three matches (two defeats and a draw); now worsened by an injury to their lead striker Kieza in the latest game at home against Bahia (0-0). Defender Geferson is also suspended. Motivation is greater for the home side. Home win Results: Vasco 0-1 Flamengo Corinthians 2-0 Ponte Preta Atletico Go 1-2 Vitoria

Goias vs Luverdense The Goias club board was unhappy with the team’s recent overwhelming defeats - the Goiania derby loss (2-0) at home against Vila Nova, followed by the 3-0 away defeat to Juventude; and sought immediate technical changes by initiating negotiations with former Brazil Olympic team coach Rogerio Micale to replace Silvio Criciuma (who would return to his previous position as the club’s Under-20 coach). However, the board put off this decision after the players supported Silvio Criciuma to continue as their coach and they promised greater commitment and better results, commencing with this game at home. After failing to score in the last two matches, Coach Silvio has opted for two midfield changes while re-jigging the attack. Visitors Luverdense come from a 1-1 draw away to Paysandu but are desperate for a win to climb from their current position – second from bottom. Coach Junior Rocha is buoyed by the return of four starters – Goalkeeper Diogo Silva, right-back Aderlan, centre-back Pablo and attacking midfielder Ricardo. Open game expected with both teams seeking a win. Over 2.5 goals. Parana vs America MG Parana is in a good phase; with three wins, a draw and one loss in the last 5 games. But the basis for this performance is defensive stability; conceding only three goals but scoring five goals in the last 5 games, the last three of which were penalties. Therefore, Coach Cristian de Souza seeks to improve the offensive production of his team through quick and effective transitions (counter-attacks) as well as attacking aggression. He will also have three newly-hired offensive options available for this game - attacking midfielder Joao Pedro plus strikers German and Felipe Augusto. The team misses two starters – midfielder Leandro Villela and striker Felipe Alves (both suspended for accumulation of three yellow cards). America MG is equally in a good phase; unbeaten in the last 5 games and coming from three straight wins - now just three points behind table-leader Guarani. Coach Henderson Moreira will field the same team that won 3-0 at home against Brasil Pelotas; with preparations focusing on offensive and dead-ball situations. Two in-form and confident teams, with intention to display offensive commitment. BTTS Bets Won: Goias 3-1 Luverdense Parana 1-1 America

Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew Despite winning 3-2 against Charleston in the US Open Cup in mid-week, Coach Gerardo Martino was unhappy because the team made a lot of errors against a supposedly weaker opposition. Notably, the defence lost individual battles and conceded goals from set-pieces (they also gave up three goals on set-pieces in the loss to Vancouver three weeks earlier). Martino was forced to make wholesale changes in the backline, plus accommodating another injury in midfield. The game plan was therefore disrupted as three key players went 90 minutes ie strikers Miguel Almiron and Joseph Martinez, plus central midfielder Jeff Larentowicz – all required for this weekend’s game against Columbus. The regular backline will return and Larentowicz will start in central midfield; but it is doubtful whether the front pair of Almiron and Martinez will both start after their mid-week exertions. The team needs the three points to maintain their play-off hopes, and has also generated momentum when playing at home. But Coach Martino could likely go for a more cautious approach this time, especially given the tough fixture schedule over the coming weeks. Since their 5-0 pasting away to Toronto at the end of May, Columbus Coach Gregg Berhalter has focused on improving the team’s defensive strength away from home. In this particular game, Berhalter’s team will be keen to block Atlanta’s penchant to score in the opening 15 minutes, while improving their own defensive transition. Under 2.5 goals.

Banfield vs Rosario Central Hosts have displayed orderly and astonishingly reliable performance this season. They are currently in third spot with 51 points, just one point behind River Plate and five points behind table-leaders Boca Juniors; and in line for a spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores, with just three rounds to go! Banfield have been very consistent at home: 10 wins, two draws and just one defeat (against leaders Boca); and come into this game having won all the last five home fixtures. Coach Julio Cesar Falcioni prefers a closed game, counter-attacking through fast transitions through the middle. Rosario Central seeks to hold down the last spot for next year’s Copa Sudamericana, in a crowded portion of the table. However, Defensa’s home defeat yesterday (1-2 against Independiente) has provided a reprieve for Rosario Central: a draw in today’s game would cement the coveted spot as the remaining rivals (Defensa and Talleres) have to win their remaining two games with large goal difference. Nevertheless, Coach Paolo Montero comes into this game with doubts in the offensive sector – which has stuttered in the last two fixtures (both ended 0-0). Key striker Marco Ruben is out for the season (knee operation). Strike-partner Teofilo Gutierez played 45 minutes in Colombia’s friendly against Cameroon in Spain and returned on Wednesday, requiring physical assessment prior to this game. Without his reference target-man and with a struggling offensive, Coach Montero’s primary objective was to tactically adapt to the circumstances – through a re-organized defence to allow for fluid attack via the wings. Both coaches’ primary objective is to hold on to their current positions in the league table. With chasing pack breathing down their necks, the hosts have no option but to take the initiative; against a Rosario side with a stuttering attack at the moment while avoiding defeat will also fit its objective. Under 2.5 goals.

Nautico vs Parana Nautico started the championship in the midst of a financial crisis, with key players leaving and the club unable to make quality replacements. Even experienced ‘fire-fighter’ Coach Waldemar Lemos admitted that he had never been in this situation before and called for patience before the team can exhibit good performance. The team is firmly at the bottom of the table; with two draws and four losses. They come from a 4-2 thrashing away to Internacional. Nevertheless, the team is showing evolution, particularly in attack. Though visiting Parana has had inconsistent results lately (team comes from a draw away and a defeat at home), Coach Cristian Souza seems to be making progress towards his preferred starting team. But he is yet to find the ideal tactical formation. In the latest 1-0 home defeat against Guarani, he changed from 4-1-4-1 to 4-4-2 but his team was not competitive and, instead, displayed collective disorganization that further irritated the fans. The team started poorly and particularly lacked creativity. Already one position above the relegation zone and under pressure, Coach Souza promised to ‘re-balance’ his team while the players seek immediate improvement in competitiveness. Parana is also mourning it’s player Jonas Pessalli, who died in a car accident on Monday morning. Thus, offensively-improving hosts meet a wounded visiting side intent on an immediate reaction. BTTS and Over 2.5 goals. Bet Won: Nautico 1-2 Parana

Chapecoense vs Gremio This game was postponed from Wednesday to Thursday due to bad weather conditions in Santa Catarina; as both teams could not land at the local Chapeco airport. Both teams had to resort to a 7-hour bus journey from Porto Alegre to Chapeco; with Chapecoense arriving on Tuesday afternoon while Gremio arrived a day later (after initially refusing the bus journey and requesting for a postponement of the match). Chapecoense will go to the top of the table with a win in this match, following their weekend 2-0 away win over Cruzeiro. Central defender Luis Otavio returns from suspension. But Gremio is just a point behind. They are coming from a 2-0 home win over Vasco da Gama at the weekend and enter this game with confidence, after a sequence of good performances in the season so far. But team will miss central defender Pedro Geromel (affected by flu). Both teams are recovering from the weekend games as well as the unexpected bus travel. Hosts are yet to concede a goal at home, while visitors’ Coach Renato Gaucho is also likely to opt for a more defensive line-up. Another element is that strong rain is forecast on Thursday, which should make the grass field heavier for both teams. Draw and Under 2.5 goals.

Coritiba vs Palmeiras Hosts have had a great start to the championship with 9 points in four games, just one point less than the leading teams. They come into this game motivated after winning the local derby against Atletico PR (1-0); in a balanced game but Coritiba proved more efficient and won through a headed goal by defender Marcio. Coach Pachequinho will have the same starting eleven available. Palmeiras has had a slow start to the new season, currently in 13th place with 4 points. Notably, they have lost their first two games away from home, and are yet to score a goal away. This is their third away game but it comes up against a team with a bit of momentum. Further, and ominously, Palmeiras has not won in the Couto Pereira stadium in Curitiba for 28 years! Most worrying, Palmeiras will have a weakened central defence due to absence of both Edu Dracena and Yerry Mina; who will be replaced with previously untested duo of Juninho and Antonio Carlos. The hosts are motivated and efficient in defence (conceded just two goals so far). The visitors have started the season with poor away performances and are seeking a reaction but are hobbled by an improvised central defence; Coach Cuca is therefore likely to adopt a more defensive game to avoid another away loss. Under 1.5 goals. Bet won: Coritiba 1-0 Palmeiras

Londrina vs Parana Hosts come from a 1-0 loss away to Ceara, where they were well-organized and only conceded a last-minute goal. Thus, team lost three places and approaches the relegation zone; therefore must respond and not lose to a state rival, to avoid pressure so early in the championship. Londrina has so far shown a defensive system that is still insecure; already conceding 6 goals in 4 games, which gives an average of 1.5 goals per game. Coach Claudio Tencati gets back key striker Jonatas Belusso (3 goals) from suspension. Parana’s new Coach Cristian Souza inherited a team with defensive efficiency but lacking an effective attack; and he set out to solve the team’s attacking problem. Parana comes into this game fresher, as it did not play over the weekend. But they were ejected from the Brazil Cup after losing 2-0 away to Atletico MG in mid-week, a game in which Parana displayed a new commitment to attack – despite facing a clearly superior team. But they lost first-choice goalkeeper Leo to injury in that game, though they have since signed a new keeper as well as a new striking addition – Rafhael Lucas. Hosts with a leaky defence face a fresher and more offensively committed visiting team. Away win. America MG vs Ceara Hosts come from a 0-2 loss at home to table-leaders Paysandu, thus losing their unbeaten run. Team played well and created chances in first half, failed to convert but then conceded a counter-attack goal in 44-minute, which changed the game. In second half, team showed more anxiety, laboured to breach the opponents’ defence and had little creativity, before conceding another counter-attack goal in 76-minute. Coach Enderson Moreira expects a response and greater concentration from his team in this game against Ceara. Ceara comes from a home win 1-0 against Londrina, but required a goal in 89-minute! Team climbed to 5th spot with 7 points; now with momentum after two wins in a row. But team faces two away games (America MG & Brasil Pelotas), with marathon travel complications involving total flight time of 11hours and 20 minutes plus another 6 hours and 55 minutes by bus. Team will face travel exhaustion, with less time for resting and training. Experienced Coach Givanildo Oliveira is likely to go for a cohesive and pragmatic team selection. Under 1.5 goals. CRB vs Brasil Pelotas Hosts are still enjoying the momentum of winning the Alagoan state championship. Despite limited investment, the team has two experienced strikers in Neto Baiano and Ze Carlos. CRB’s strength lies in playing at home (King Pele stadium), where they display a dominant, confident but patient style. They already won their first two home games, against Ceara and the fancied Santa Cruz. They are coming from their first defeat in the championship; a 2-0 loss away to Oeste over the weekend. Striker Neto Baiano got his third yellow card and will be suspended for this game, though another striker Mailyson returns to the team. The visitors have been improving with every round of the championship and they come from their first victory over the weekend, 2-0 at home to bottom club Nautico. Home team is seeking immediate recovery in this game, with Coach Leo Conde preaching defensive concentration throughout the game. Visiting Coach Rogerio Zimmermann has had a consistent team that is strong and combative in defence. Under 2.5 goals. Results: Londrina 1-1 Parana America 1-0 Ceara CRB 0-1 B Pelotas

Quilmes vs Patronato Both teams are battling relegation, though Patronato have a slightly better chance with a better calculated average than the hosts. And after this game, Quilmes’ next two opponents will also be relegation strugglists ie Atletico Rafaela (away) and Arsenal Sarandi (home). In this situation, the hosts would be expected to take the initiative in this match, but their biggest problem is the lack of creative ability; scoring only one goal and conceding five in the last five league matches. Indeed their best player in recent matches has been the goalkeeper Cesar Rigamonti, who has almost single-handedly kept the team’s hopes through incredible saves. As a team, they have generally lacked the individual quality to play against most of the teams in the Primera division; the players do put in effort but it is not enough. They also face another problem at home - the fans tend to convey more anxiety towards the team. The visitors themselves have gone 11 league games without a win; 6 draws and 5 defeats. They similarly struggle for goals, scoring three and conceding 8 in the last five games. However, they have been very tight defensively when playing away, gaining 4 draws and conceding only 3 goals in their last five away matches. Hosts have no other option but to win and are expected to take the initiative in a 3-4-3 formation. But defeat would equally complicate the plight of the visitors, whose critical objective in this match is to avoid losing. The visitors will keep faith in their 4-1-4-1 away formation to nullify their opponents while waiting for any opportunity to counter-attack. Draw and Under 2.5 goals. Bet Lost: Quilmes 0-1 Patronato

Colorado vs Columbus Colorado won ugly in last week’s 1-0 home win against Sporting Kansas and seek to consolidate their improving home form, in their effort to get off the bottom of the Western conference table. But they will miss Goalkeeper Tim Howard (on national team duty) and centre-back Bobby Burling (suspended). Fitness issues and unavailability of defensive options has raised doubts about the composition of the back four, for this match. Whatever the make-up of the team, Coach Pablo Mastroeni's game plan is likely to remain a relentless defence. In their most recent away game, last Saturday, Columbus were thrashed 5-0 by Toronto; in an embarrassing display of their key weakness - they do leave themselves exposed on the counter. But they come into this game with resilience and morale, after Wednesday’s convincing 3-0 home win over Seattle. Hosts' recent home upturn in performance is based on tight defence; while the visitors will be keen to avoid a repeat of their abject defending in their last away game in Toronto. Draw and Under 2.5 goals. Bet Lost: Colorado 2-1 Columbus

Sarmiento vs Defensa Hosts come from a 4-2 thrashing away to San Martin; thus firmly rooted to the bottom of both the league table as well as the table of averages, and on the verge of relegation. The team needs a miracle to survive: it has not won in the last ten matches (three draws and seven losses), and has conceded ten goals in the last three games. For this game, Coach Fernando ‘Tete’ Quiroz (the fourth coach of the team this season) will miss injured defenders Alexis Niz and Francisco Dutari, while winger Adrian Scifo is suspended. And in a sign that the club is already planning for life outside the top division, Coach Quiroz intends to field a team full of youths against Defensa. The visitors, on the other hand, are on a momentum: with two draws and six wins in the last eight matches, and has not conceded a goal in the last seven games. They are 13th in the table and arrive for this match after a 1-0 home win against Tigre; and with the ambition of further climbing the table to classify for the next edition of the Copa Sudamericana. Hosts are in poor form and appear to have lost the fight for survival; while the visitors are on form and are motivated to get the three points. Away win. Bet Lost: Sarmiento 1-0 Defensa