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

There is still so much to play for when fifth-placed Fortaleza travel to 16th-placed Cuiaba on Monday in the last but one round of fixtures in the Brasileiro.

The hosts could still be relegated as they currently only sit three points above 17th spot, but they could also qualify for the Copa Sudamericana if they win both of their remaining games, while Fortaleza are aiming for a top-four finish.

Match preview

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Jorginho's side are only three points away from 12th-placed Santos but in the same breath Bahia are only three points behind Cuiaba and safety, making their last two games vital in determining what their immediate future holds.

Qualifying for a Copa Sudamericana spot seems unlikely as, first of all, Cuiaba would need to win both of their remaining games and their form does not suggest that is doable, and secondly the teams above them would have to lose their two last games.

Last time out Jorginho's side fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of recently crowned Copa Sudamericana champions Athletico Paranaense, who did dominate the game with more possession and chances on goal.

That was an important game in terms of the race for a place in the top 12, as if Cuiaba had managed to secure three points then they would have leapfrogged Paranaense.

At this stage of the season, teams' destiny can come down to split second moments and losing by just one goal will hurt Jorginho and his players as they have come close to their scenario being much different.

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Fortaleza, on the other hand, are aiming to break into the top four which will mean that they go straight into the Copa Libertadores next season, but they must also be careful that they do not fall below sixth by losing their remaining two matches.

An 82nd-minute winner from Valentin Depietri was enough for Juan Pablo Vojvoda's side to secure three points last time out against Juventude, and they benefitted from the teams below them losing in the same gameweek.

Their goal difference is six worse than Corinthians, who occupy fourth spot, and that may come back to haunt Fortaleza as they may miss out on a direct Copa Libertadores position by a few goals.

Fortaleza are aiming to win back-to-back Brasileiro games for the first time since October and three points on Monday would ensure that they can not drop into a Copa Sudamericana spot on the final day.

Both Fortaleza and Cuiaba will be hoping for more than what their goalless draw brought them the last time these two teams met in August, when it was an even contest in terms of chances created also.

Team News

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The only injury absentee for Cuiaba is central midfielder Auremir, who has been unavailable since the beginning of November with a knee injury.

Attacker Clayson will also be forced to sit out of Monday's game, though, as he picked up two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes in their last outing against Athletico Paranaense.

Experienced striker Elton is Cuiaba's top goalscorer this season, scoring eight goals in 29 appearances despite only making 11 starts, and he is expected to begin on the bench again for the home side and make an impact as a substitute later in the game.

Fortaleza will line up in their favoured 3-4-1-2 formation, with Robson and David leading the line, and the attacking duo have 15 goals between them in the Brasileiro this season.

Vojvoda made three changes to his starting 11 last time out but he is expected to name the same lineup this time around after a positive victory against Juventude, meaning that Lucas Crispim could continue in the attacking midfield role.

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Uendel, Marllon, Paulao, Lucas; Pepe, Alves, Camilo, Gava; Jenison, Marques

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Boeck; Jussa, Titi, Tinga; Felipe, Matheus, Ederson, Pikachu; Crispim; Robson, David

We say: Cuiaba 1-2 Fortaleza

With both teams still with something to play for, the home side and the visitors both need a win on Monday, which is why the two teams could get on the scoresheet.

However, with slightly better form entering this match, Fortaleza are expected to come out on top and secure their Copa Libertadores position.

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