Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Brasileiro clash between Juventude and Criciuma, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Juventude and Criciuma set out to get themselves back to winning ways when they face off at Estadio Alfredo Jaconi on Saturday.
The hosts were beaten for the first time in six outings last time out while the visitors saw their winless streak stretch to five matches.
Match preview
© Imago
Juventude had no answer for Cruzeiro as they fell to a routine 2-0 defeat in Wednesday’s meeting between the sides at the Mineirao.
Roger Machado‘s men conceded a late first-half penalty from William Furtado after which Juan Dinenno wrapped up the result three minutes from time.
As a result, Alviverde remain 12th in the Brasileiro table, two points clear of Internacional in the race for the final continental spot despite having played three games more.
Coming up next is the challenge of an opposing outfit who have won just one of the last 10 editions of this fixture across all competitions.
Unbeaten in 13 straight home matches leading up to this weekend’s encounter, Saturday’s hosts have proven to be a tough nut to crack in front of their fans.
© Reuters
Criciuma had to settle for a share of the spoils in their meeting against Fortaleza which ended in a 1-1 stalemate at Estadio Heriberto Hulse on Wednesday.
Claudio Tencati‘s men broke the deadlock just shy of the first-half midway point through Miguel Trauco before surrendering their advantage in the 64th minute thanks to Juan Lucero.
With 18 points picked up from 17 matches so far, El Tigre sit 14th in the league standings and are just three points clear of relegation danger.
Having lost each of their last four away matches leading up to this weekend, Saturday’s visitors have been underwhelming on the road and will need to turn things around.
Juventude Brasileiro form:
Juventude form (all competitions):
Criciuma Brasileiro form:
Team News
Juventude’s Ze Marcos was sent off in the defeat to Cruzeiro and will serve a one-game ban in this one.
Joao Lucas lasted just 41 minutes in the aforementioned game and had to be hauled off with an injury scare, making him a doubt to play any part here.
Matheusinho is set to miss a third straight game for Criciuma as he continues to battle with a hamstring injury.
Twenty-nine-year-old Allano missed his side’s last outing through a suspension but is eligible to feature in this one.
Juventude possible starting lineup:
Gabriel; Inocencio, Sam, Freitas, Ruschel; Goncalves, Jadson, Carlos; Barbosa, Gilberto, Farias
Criciuma possible starting lineup:
Gustavo; Jonathan, Rodrigo, Angel, Trauco; Meritao, Newton, Mateus, Hermes; Caike, Citadin
We say: Juventude 1-0 Criciuma
Juventude have enjoyed the better of this fixture and will fancy their chances to coming away with maximum points. While we expect Criciuma to put up a good fight, we are tripping the hosts to emerge triumphant at the end of the 90 minutes.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.