Coritiba will be looking to move closer to moving out of the Brasileiro relegation zone when they play host to Cuiaba on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the visitors to Couto Pereira are searching for the victory that will put extra daylight between themselves and the bottom four.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having lost eight successive matches between the end of July and end of September, Coritiba are now staring relegation flush in the face.
Somehow, Thiago Kosloski was able to retain his job, owing to the three wins in four that preceded that dismal run, but Coritiba have since responded with two much-needed victories.
Glorioso ended their unwanted streak with a surprise victory over Athletico Paranaense, prevailing by a 2-0 scoreline in front of their own supporters.
A week later, they recorded another scalp from the top half of the table, coming from behind to post a last-gasp 2-1 triumph over Atletico Mineiro.
Veteran Algerian forward Islam Slimani scored the winner, taking his total to three strikes from five outings since his arrival in August.
However, the gap to safety remains at eight points and Coritiba need to continue to build momentum as they bid to avoid being cut adrift during the run-in.
From Cuiaba's perspective, they are just six points above the relegation zone with four points from the last two matches being required to strengthen their position in mid-table.
Head coach Antonio Oliveira, formerly of Coritiba, will hope that a 3-0 victory over Fluminense at the end of last month has led to his side turning a corner.
A goalless draw with Cruzeiro has since followed, keeping Dourado in a position where they are well set to secure Copa Sudamericana football for next season.
Team News
Despite their victory last time out, Kosloski may be prepared to make a number of changes to his Coritiba starting lineup.
Jamerson could return at left-back having provided the assist for the winner, while Kaio and Jean Pedroso were both introduced as half-time substitutes against Athletico Mineiro.
However, Pedroso was making his first outing in the senior ranks for a number of months, so Benjamin Kuscevic could keep his spot in defence.
Rikelme is in line to start for Cuiaba having been required to replace Uendel after just 32 minutes against Cruzeiro.
Fernando Sobral is also pushing for a recall in midfield, but Deyverson should lead the line having netted nine times this campaign.
Coritiba possible starting lineup:
Vasconcelos; Natanael, Kuscevic, Henrique, Jamerson; Oliveira, Bianqui, Farias, Gomez, Robson; Slimani
Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Alexandre, Marllon, Allyson, Rikelme; Sobral, Raniele, Denilson; Lacerda, Deyverson, Clayson
We say: Coritiba 1-1 Cuiaba
Despite the difference in league positions, we are expecting this to be an evenly-fought affair, one that the home side will believe that they can win. However, we have to respect Cuiaba's form across the season as a whole, leading us to predict a low-scoring draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
