Still mired inside the relegation zone following another defeat in midweek, Cuiaba host a Ceara side under new management at Arena Pantanal on Saturday.

While the hosts were beaten for the third time in five Brasileiro matches, their visitors held the reigning champions goalless last time out to remain unbeaten since early May.

Match preview

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After following up a win over Corinthians with last Saturday's 1-1 draw at home against Bragantino, when Cuiaba travelled to Rio de Janeiro for their Wednesday night clash with Flamengo, hopes were high of continuing an encouraging upturn.

However, the club from Mato Grasso instead lost their fourth consecutive away match in Serie A, conceding either side of the break to lose 2-0 at the mighty Maracana.

Now with just nine goals from their opening 12 games of the season, Dourado again created little offensively, and they sit 18th in the standings heading into the weekend.

Since slipping out of the Copa Sudamericana at the group stage last month, Cuiaba have picked up only four points in the Brasileiro, so coach Antonio Oliveira remains under pressure to put together a more positive run of results.

The Auriverde manager has characterised Saturday's duel with Ceara as a 'final' - one of many before now and the end of what could be a challenging campaign for a side which narrowly escaped relegation last year.

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Despite their hosts' difficulties of late, mid-table Ceara would be caught on points if they were to lose at Arena Pantanal, as even with just three league defeats to their name this term, they occupy a modest 13th place.

Vozao recently turned to Marquinhos Santos to help them traverse their way up the tightly-packed standings, as the experienced tactician replaced Flamengo-bound Dorival Junior.

Having previously worked in the Under-15s setup for Brazil's national team, Marquinhos most recently led America-MG to a spot in the Copa Libertadores before departing in April.

His first challenge at Ceara was certainly not the simplest of tasks, as his new club took on one of the favourites for the title on Wednesday - though they did have home advantage in their favour.

Inspired by the support of the Alvinegra faithful, Ceara held on for a 0-0 draw against defending Serie A champions Atletico Mineiro, neutralising the threat of former Selecao forward Hulk in the process.

As a result, they remain only three points adrift of a top-six place, but also have just the same advantage over the bottom four - including this weekend's opponents.

Team News

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Following further disappointment in midweek, Cuiaba could make some changes to a losing side and have several options to choose from, as only defender Alan Empereur is set to miss out through injury due to a muscular problem.

The Auriverde employed a 4-1-4-1 formation away to Flamengo, with Camilo being their holding player in midfield, but the loanee from Ligue 1 club Lyon could now operate as part of a central trio back on home soil.

Ceara, meanwhile, should again turn to Richardson and Fernando Sobral to run their engine room, after the pair impressed in the draw with Atletico Mineiro.

Returning from injury in midweek, Luiz Otavio was also integral to the effort in central defence, and the veteran, who has been with Vozao since 2016, will start again. Left-back Bruno Pacheco could be drafted into the back four, as he returns from suspension.

On the injury list, though, are former Shaktar Donetsk forward Dentinho, who has a thigh issue, and well-travelled striker Jael. In their absence, Cleber should feature up front.

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Lucas, Marllon, Paulao, Uendel; Camilo, Pepe, Gava; Luis, Marques, Andre

Ceara possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Macedo, Messias, Otavio, Pacheco; Richardson, Sobral, Richard; Vina, Cleber, Mendoza

We say: Cuiaba 1-2 Ceara

As their struggle to score goals with any regularity goes on, Cuiaba could come up short again this weekend against a Ceara side who have been tough to beat, if not prolific themselves.

The visitors will therefore stretch their advantage over their hosts to six points and edge further up the congested Serie A table.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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