Novorizontino and Juventude could secure direct promotion to Brazil’s Série A in the next round, the penultimate matchday of the season. Novorizontino host Fortaleza at 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, while Juventude visit Cuiabá at 8 p.m. Vila Nova and Criciúma also meet at 8 p.m. in Goiânia.
Novorizontino have the clearest route. The league leaders have 67 points, four more than third-placed Vila Nova, and will qualify for the top flight for the first time if they beat Fortaleza. A draw would be enough only if Vila Nova and Criciúma also draw. A defeat would delay Novorizontino’s promotion bid; Fortaleza are fifth with 62 points.
Juventude, in second place, need to beat Cuiabá and hope Vila Nova and Criciúma draw. A draw against Cuiabá would not be enough, regardless of the other results.
Novorizontino could also win the Série B title this weekend. They must beat Fortaleza, while Juventude draw or lose. That would give Novorizontino a lead of at least four points with one match left.
Saturday’s key fixtures are Novorizontino vs. Fortaleza at Jorge Ismael de Biasi at 4:10 p.m.; Cuiabá vs. Juventude at Arena Pantanal at 8 p.m.; and Vila Nova vs. Criciúma at OBA, also at 8 p.m.
Sources: Globo Esporte.