Preview: Fortaleza vs. America Mineiro - prediction, team news, lineups

Fortaleza take on America Mineiro in the Brasileiro Serie A on Wednesday.

The hosts can move into fourth with a victory, with the visitors looking to put greater distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

Match preview

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After narrowly surviving relegation on goal difference last season, Fortaleza appear to be on an upwards trajectory this campaign.

Having been promoted to Brazil's top flight in 2018, Leao do Pici clearly suffered from second season syndrome last time out after superbly finishing in the top half during their first campaign back in the Brasileiro.

Fortaleza's board made the somewhat controversial decision to bring in an Argentinian manager in May, with former Newell's Old Boys player and caretaker boss Juan Pablo Vojvoda taking the mantle.

The 46-year-old has impressed so far, guiding his side to 15 points from nine games to sit impressively in fifth position, albeit at an early stage of proceedings.

Vojvoda will fancy his team's chances against America on Wednesday, though, with a win guaranteeing that they remain at most six points off the top of the table.

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Indeed, having been promoted after finishing second in Serie B last season, avoiding relegation is the primary aim for America this season.

Lisca was the man who took Coelho back to the Brazilian big time, but after a winless run of seven matches, the 48-year-old surprisingly took the decision to resign from his position.

However, that has proved to be beneficial for America, with former Corinthians manager Vagner Mancini unbeaten with eight points from his first four matches in charge.

A dramatic 4-3 win away to Bahia was backed up by a comfortable 2-0 win at home against Santos on Saturday, moving the club four points ahead of Sao Paulo in the first relegation position in the table.

Mancini will be under no illusions that staying up will be an easy task this campaign, however, with his new manager bounce likely to come to an end at some point in the near future.

Team News

Fortaleza could be without Wellington Paulista, Matheus Jussa and Gustavo Blanco on Wednesday.

The trio have been on the treatment table recently with calf, shoulder and thigh injuries respectively, with Vojvoda hoping to have them available once again later this month.

Juan Sebastian Quintero should return to the defence, though, after missing the defeat to Athletico Paranaense due to suspension.

America, meanwhile, do not appear to have any injury or suspension concerns.

Providing he feels his players are fit and fresh, Mancini may select the same XI which comfortably dispatched Santos at the weekend.

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Alves; Quintero, Benevenuto, Titi; Pikachu, Ederson, Felipe, Crispim; Vargas; Romarinho, David

America Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Cavichioli; Eduardo, Anderson, Santos, Paulo; Ze Ricardo, Juninho; Toscano, Azevedo; Rodolfo, Ribamar

We say: Fortaleza 2-1 America Mineiro

We expect Fortaleza to bounce back with a win against America Mineiro having suffered defeat last time out.

Vojvoda's side do possess a little more quality than their forthcoming opponents, who will be aiming to make it three wins on the bounce on Wednesday.