Preview: Sport Recife vs. Fortaleza - prediction, team news, lineups

Both clubs only narrowly avoided relegation last year, but have gone in very different directions this season.

Match preview

Goal difference saved Fortaleza from the drop in 2020, but under Juan Pablo Vojvoda they have enjoyed a very promising season so far.

Leao do Pici are currently fourth in the table and through to the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil, but are without a win in their last six league matches.

Vojvoda's side suffered a third consecutive defeat last weekend, conceding in the 92nd minute to lose 1-0 away at Internacional.

Fortaleza have struggled on their travels this season, winning only three of their 11 away league games. In addition, only bottom of the table Chapecoense have conceded more goals on the road.

Sport Recife finished one point and one place higher than Fortaleza last season, but look to be in deep trouble this year; they are currently in 19th place and six points adrift of safety.

The Pernambuco-based side have won just three games all season and are the lowest scorers in the Brasileiro with only eight goals from 21 games; just two of those have come at Ilha do Retiro, where they have not won since mid-June.

However, at the other end of the pitch, Sport Recife actually have the second-best defence in the league, having conceded only 18 goals.

Gustavo Florentin replaced Umberto Louzer at the helm at the end of August and has picked up two points from his first four games in charge, overseeing a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Atletico Mineiro last weekend.

With games against relegation rivals Gremio and Juventude to come in the next fortnight, this is definitely a make or break period for Florentin's side.

Sport Recife Brasileiro form:

Fortaleza Brasileiro form:

Fortaleza form (all competitions):

Team News

Rafael Thyere's yellow card in the 97th minute of Sport Recife's defeat to Atletico Mineiro was his third of the season, meaning he is suspended for Sunday's game.

Andre is the only player in the Sport squad to score more than one league goal this season, but he dropped to the bench last weekend so could be recalled.

Neilton, Thiago Lopes and Joao Igor remain sidelined for the hosts through injury.

Fortaleza winger David is suspended following his red card for an off the ball altercation against Internacional last weekend.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda is able to welcome back Tinga though, after the right-back served his own suspension.

Wellington Paulista scored the winner for Fortaleza against Sport Recife earlier this season, but he has not started in the league since August 15.

Sport Recife possible starting lineup:

Mailson; Hayner, Chico, Sabino, Sander; Welison, Marcao; Trellez, Hernanes, Paulinho; Andre

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:

Alves; Tinga, Benevenuto, Titi; Pikachu, Ederson, Jussa, Crispim; Lima; Robson, Henriquez

We say: Sport Recife 0-1 Fortaleza

Despite their recent poor run of form, Fortaleza have to be the favourites for this game as Sport Recife's recent record is even worse. As established, most games involving Sport are low-scoring, so we think this will be a one goal win for the visitors.