Avai won its first road match of the Brasileiro Serie A campaign on Sunday and can win consecutive league fixtures for the first time this year when hosting Fortaleza on Thursday at Estadio da Ressacada with kickoff at 1 am.
In the face of adversity, all it takes is a moment of magic to turn things around. That was the case for Avai, who, after conceding a brilliant curling free-kick from Kevin in Monday’s game against Botafogo, managed to turn things around and win the match, propelling Avai into fifth place.
Another win in Thursday’s match would put them into the Copa Libertadores qualifying position next season. With a solid defensive effort despite allowing seven shots on target to Fogo—including Kevin’s free-kick—manager Eduardo Barroca was undoubtedly pleased with his team’s performance.
On Sunday, Fortaleza fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Athletico Paranaense. Despite holding the bulk of possession and firing six shots on target, the Northeastern Brazilian club failed to find the back of the net.
That was not the first time this aggressive team let numerous great build-up plays go to waste, as they have failed to score in five Serie A matches this year. Their only victory in the 2022 Brasileiro campaign came away from home earlier this month as they tallied in injury time to defeat Flamengo 2-1.
Avai vs Fortaleza Head to Head
Both sides have eight games against each other with hosts taking one win while visitors with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Botafogo 0-1 Avai
- Atletico 2-1 Avai
- Avai 1-1 Sao Pauolo
- Atletico 2-1 Avai
Away
- Fortaleza 0-0 Paranaense
- Fortaleza 1-1 Goias
- Flamengo 1-2 Fortaleza
- Fortaleza 0-1 Ceara
Avai Team News
Bruno Silva will not play for Avai after being shown a red card in injury time Monday against São Paulo. Douglas only had to make two saves to record a clean sheet in that match. Bissoli has been Avai’s most productive forward so far; he leads the team with four goals, one more than Muriqui, while Morato has two.
Fortaleza Team News
One of their primary providers last season, Lucas Crispim, continues to search for an assist in 2022 after finishing tied with Yago Pikachu for the team lead a year ago.
Prediction and Odds
These teams have shown that they are capable of being potent in the attacking third, but neither has been consistent. Expect a tight match between two squads who have not conceded much in their recent fixtures.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
