Preview: Bragantino vs. Fortaleza - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, on the other hand, head into the game fresh off the back of ending their run of six consecutive outings without a win and will look to build on that result.

Match preview

Bragantino made it two wins from two for the first time since April as they comfortably saw off America Mineiro 3-0 when the sides squared off at the Estadio Raimundo Sampaio on Sunday.

Brazilian forward Alerrandro struck twice inside the opening seven minutes before Sorriso netted on the stroke of half time to cap off a fine team performance and condemn the hosts to their ninth defeat of the season.

Prior to that, the Massa Bruta snapped their two-game losing streak on July 9 when they claimed a 4-0 home victory over Avai, courtesy of second-half goals from Luan Candido, Alerrandro, Helinho and Bruno Praxedes.

Mauricio Barbieri's side now return home where they have won all but one of their most recent four outings, with a 1-0 defeat against Botafogo on July 5 being the exception.

With 24 points from 17 games, Bragantino are currently eighth in the Brasileiro Serie A standings, level on points with Flamengo and Sao Paulo.

Elsewhere, Fortaleza continued their surge from the relegation zone last time out when they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Atletico Goianiense.

Despite being on the back foot for most of the game and seeing less than 40% of the ball possession, Moises came off the bench to grab a 74th-minute winner for the Leao do Pici at the Stadium Antônio Accioly.

This followed a slender 1-0 loss at the hands of Ceara on July 14 when 31-year-old midfielder Vina scored the only goal of the game to hand the Vozao a 2-1 aggregate win and a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil.

While Fortaleza will look to build on Sunday's victory, standing in their way is the challenge of a rejuvenated opposing side who have won five of the last eight meetings between the teams since 2008.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda's side have picked up three wins, five draws and lost nine of their 17 league games to collect 14 points and sit 19th in the standings, one point above last-placed Juventude and five adrift of Cortitiba outside the relegation zone.

Bragantino Brasileiro form:

Fortaleza Brasileiro form:

Fortaleza form (all competitions):

Team News

Bragantino will take to the pitch without the services of veteran midfielder Ytalo, who is set to sit out his sixth straight game through a heel injury.

He is joined on the M injury table by Uruguayan midfielder Emiliano Martinez, who continues his long road to full fitness after suffering an Achilles tendon problem back in December.

With his brace at the weekend, Alerrandro now has four goals in his last four outings and we expect the 22-year-old forward to spearhead the attack once again.

He should be joined in the final third by Sorriso and former Palmeiras man Artur, while we expect a back four of Aderlan, Leo Ortiz, Natan and Candido, with 24-year-old Cleiton in goal.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old midfielder Heracles was forced off at the 23rd minute mark against Atletico Goianiense last time out and is a major doubt for Fortaleza.

In his absence, former Corinthians man Matheus Vargas could be handed his fifth start of the season, teaming up with 25-year-old Ronald at the centre of the park.

Brazilian defender Tinga has been sidelined since May through a ligament injury and the 38-year-old is out of contention for the Leao do Pici.

Bragantino possible starting lineup:

Cleiton; Aderlan, Ortiz, Souza, Candido; Evangelista, Raul; Artur, Silveira, Sorriso; Alerrandro

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:

Miguel; Ceballos, Titi, Benevenuto; Crispim, Ronald, Vargas, Lima, Capixaba; Romero, Romarinho

We say: Bragantino 2-0 Fortaleza

Buoyed by their victory over Atletico Goianiense, Fortaleza will head into Wednesday with renewed confidence as they look to steer clear of the drop zone. However, Barbieri's men have won each of their last three home games against the Leao do Pici and we are backing them to extend their dominance in this fixture.

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