Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker:
Two sides who find themselves battling it out in the Serie B promotion chase, Operario will welcome Novorizontino to the Germano Kruger late on Tuesday night.
Operario
Starting with the hosts, managing to make a much-welcomed return to winning ways last week as they secured a 2-0 victory against Goias, Operario will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. Although Rafael Guanaes’ men might have only made their Serie B return this season, they have continued to receive a host of plaudits. Remarkably battling it out at the top of the table and with some even billing them as a potential top-four dark horse, the Parada-based outfit will also be excited by their extended success on home soil. Including a stellar 1-0 win against leading promotion contenders Santos on June 14th, Operario have won three of their previous four appearances at the Germano Kruger. Likewise, along with suffering just a single Serie B defeat in front of their own supporters so far this season, Guanaes’ side have also conceded just a single goal in Parana since way back on May 11th.
Team News
Heading into Tuesday’s showdown at the Germano Kruger, Operario have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Making a full return during last week’s 2-0 victory against Goias, 22-year-old Santiago Ocampos will retain his spot at right-back.
Returning from a minor knock earlier in the month, Guilherme Pira could make a first start of the season and replace Ronald Rodrigues in the final third. Extending his stay in Sao Paulo for another season, veteran goalkeeper Rafael Santos will start between the sticks.
Novorizontino
As for the visitors, although Novorizontino might have eventually fallen short in the race to claim a Serie A return last season, Eduardo Baptista’s side are enjoying another flurry this time around. Snatching a 1-0 victory against Chapecoense last weekend, one-time Palmeiras boss should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Signing off June with a stellar 2-1 win away at Sport Recife, the Sao Paulo-based outfit have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 11 consecutive appearances. With that extended purple patch stemming all the way back to May 14th, Tuesday’s guests will be desperate to make another statement here. Tipped as a standout promotion contender this season, Novorizontino have also continued to impress with their rugged performances on the road. Last seen on their travels securing a 1-0 win against Avai, Baptista’s side will be looking to shore up their spot in the top-four hunt.
Team News
Shown a second-half red card during Novorizontino’s 1-0 win against Chapecoense last week, former Vila Nova defender Renato will miss out through suspension here. Not making a single appearance since the start of June and still dealing with a muscle injury, 31-year-old Cesar Martins remains on the sidelines and will not feature.
Bagging the winner in Sao Paulo last week and now recording two goals in his previous three Serie B outings, ex-America MG striker Rodolfo will spearhead Novorizontino’s charge. Academy graduate Reverson should be handed an immediate recall and start at left-back.
Key Factors to Consider
