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

Cuiaba will be looking to build on their draw against erstwhile Brasileiro leaders Bragantino when they take on Ceara at Arena Pantanal on Sunday.

The Green-Gold enter this fixture 18th in the division after a long winless run, while Ceara are nine points better off in ninth place.

Match preview

© Reuters

Cuiaba may remain without a win in eight matches this season, but they can be pleased with their 1-1 draw against a Bragantino side that sat top of the division ahead of the game.

Bruno Praxedes gave unbeaten Bragantino the lead with just short of half an hour played, though Jenison equalised 11 minutes from time for a valuable point.

That was Jorginho's first game in charge and provides the Green-Gold with a platform to build on ahead of games with Ceara, Chapecoense and Corinthians before the end of July.

While Cuiaba ended a three-game scoreless run against Bragantino last time out, they are still the joint-second lowest scoring side in the division with five goals to their name.

That does not bode well against a Ceara side on a three-game run without conceding a goal. Indeed, Guto Ferreira's side have let in just 10 goals all season.

© Reuters

The Vozao are unbeaten in six matches since going down 2-1 to Bahia on June 17, taking 10 points from a possible 18 during that period.

A goalless draw with Fluminense can be considered a positive result for Ceara, especially having survived a scare when Caio Paulista's early goal was ruled out for offside.

Ferreira's men are just three points off a Copa Libertadores qualifying spot, and they will be looking up the division rather than down ahead of Sunday's trip to Arena Pantanal.

Team News

© Reuters

Clayson returned from suspension against Bragantino, meaning that Murilo Rangel, Everton Sena and Yuri are Cuiaba's only doubts for this game due to injury.

Jonathan Cafu made an impact from the bench in the draw with Bragantino and is among those in contention for a recall against Ceara.

As for the visitors, Vitor Jacare is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and will therefore play no part in this contest.

Joao Ricardo and Vinicius Machado are also carrying injuries, but Cleber is at least back available again following a recent one-match ban.

However, Ferreira may decide to use Saulo Mineiro up top, as the 24-year-old scored on his last appearance in the 2-0 win against Juventude.

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Lucas, Marllon, Paulao, Hernandez; Pepe, Gava, Gomes; Cafu, Elton, Clayson

Ceara possible starting lineup:
Richard; Buiu, Lacerda, Messias, Kelvyn; Sobral, Adriano; Mendoza, Vina, Lima; Mineiro

We say: Cuiaba 0-1 Ceara

Ceara have drawn their last four away matches, failing to score in three of those.

However, Cuiaba have themselves struggled for both goals and points at home this term, and we can see the visitors picking up their fourth win of the campaign on Sunday.