The Copa do Brasil returns this week with the round of 16. It is an all-Serie A fixture between Fortaleza and Ceara as the two top-flight rivals meet on Thursday.
Fortaleza have struggled to get started in Serie A, but they have played well to this point in the Copa do Brasil. The Lion of the Pici defeated Vitoria in the previous round to set up this week’s fixture with Ceara.
Thursday’s visitors, Ceara, reached the round of 16 via a win against Tombense. Ceara won the game by a 4-0 aggregate score.
Both teams are in decent form in the league heading into the fixture. Fortaleza are unbeaten in four of their last five games in the Serie A. They are coming off of a 1-0 win against America MG.
Fortaleza may be in good form, but they are still in the Serie A relegation zone. Four points separate Fortaleza from safety. Manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda will hope a strong run in the Copa do Brasil will help the team earn safety.
Ceara are unbeaten in six straight games in Serie A. Their last three games all finished as draws, however.
The Grandpa of Brazilian football have a great head-to-head record against Fortaleza. Ceara have a record of 3W-2D-1L in their last six encounters with Fortaleza. The last four games between these sides in all competitions ended without a loss for Ceara.
On June 2, Fortaleza hosted Ceara in Serie A play. The game ended in a 1-0 win for Ceara. Fortaleza’s Felipe was sent off on 20 minutes. Ceara’s Cleber scored in first half stoppage-time to get the win. Ceara outshot Fortaleza 19-11 during the 90-minute fixture.
Cleber has scored four goals in Serie A and the Copa Sudamericana. The club is led in goals by Stiven Mendoza with 12 goals in the two competitions. Manager Marquinhos Santos is likely to start both forwards against Fortaleza.
Yago Pikachu leads Fortaleza in goals with six in all competitions. Pikachu will likely start in attack for the Lion of Pici.
Ceara’s Richard is a doubt with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Dentinho is also a doubt following a thigh strain. Midfielder Leo Rafael is ruled out with a leg injury.
Fortaleza will be without Romarinho following a leg injury. Defender Tinga has a ligament injury and will be out of action until August.
Ceara defeated Fortaleza earlier this season in Serie A play. The Grandpa should post another win against Fortaleza to progress to the next round of the Copa do Brasil.