Fortaleza and Atlético-GO will face each other this Monday in the 36th round of the Brazilian Serie B at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza. The match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Brasília time, and ge will provide live coverage.
Fortaleza are looking to improve their recent home record after taking nine of the last 21 points available at Arena Castelão, with one win and six draws. Paulo Autuori’s side drew 1-1 with bottom-placed Ponte Preta in its previous match and remains the only unbeaten team in the second half of the Serie B season.
The match is also important in Fortaleza’s bid to return to the top two. A draw would guarantee the team a place in the playoff positions, according to the available information.
Atlético-GO have gone four matches without a win and dropped out of the top six after a 1-0 defeat to Novorizontino in the previous round. The team has 54 points and needs a victory to remain in contention for the playoff places. Relations between the board and players have been strained by delayed wages and public criticism, although a meeting was held during the week to address the situation.
Fortaleza are expected to welcome back Cardona and Jaílson after both served suspensions against Ponte Preta. Lucas Sasha and Cantillo may also return to the starting lineup, while Luiz Fernando remains doubtful with a left-thigh strain. Fuentes is unavailable while recovering from surgery for a ligament injury to his left knee.
Fortaleza’s probable lineup is João Ricardo; Mailton, Neris, Bastos, Cardona and Mucuri; Lucas Sasha, Pierre and Rodriguinho; Pedro Henrique and Cantillo. Lucas Gazal, Mailton, Mucuri, Lucas Sasha, Lucas Crispim, Nathan Fogaça and Miritello are listed as one booking away from suspension.
Atlético-GO will have defender Junior Barreto back from suspension, replacing Tito. Midfielders Netinho and Daniel Peixoto are suspended after receiving their third yellow cards, with Cristiano and Henrique Freitas expected to start in their places.
Roger Silva’s probable Atlético-GO lineup is Paulo Vítor; Warley, Adriano Martins, Junior Barreto and Guilherme Lopes; Cristiano, Henrique Freitas and Marrony; Geovany Soares, Gustavo Coutinho and Gustavo Maia. Adriano Martins, Bruno José, Natã Felipe, Tito, João Pedro, Cristiano, Guilherme Lopes, Gustavo Maia and Marrony are on the booking list.
Bruno Arleu de Araújo of Rio de Janeiro will referee the match. Thiago Henrique Neto Correa Farinha and Carlos Henrique Cardoso de Souza will be the assistants, while Raimundo Rodrigues de Oliveira Júnior will serve as the fourth official. Paulo Renato Moreira da Silva Coelho will operate the VAR.
Sources: Globo Esporte.