Fortaleza vs Criciuma – Match Preview

Fortaleza is set to host Criciuma at the Castelao Stadium for a crucial Serie A Round 22 clash on Thursday, August 10th, starting at 19:00 GMT. Fortaleza, currently in 3rd place with 39 points, is exceeding pre-season expectations. They aim to strengthen their position at the top of the table. Criciuma, positioned 12th with 24 points, seeks to improve their standing and avoid the relegation zone. This match is pivotal for both teams, with Fortaleza eyeing a title challenge and Criciuma aiming for a mid-table finish.

Fortaleza – Form

Fortaleza has been resilient in recent Serie A matches. They achieved an away win against Cruzeiro with a 2:1 scoreline on August 6, 2024. Breno Lopes and Renato Kayzer scored the goals. Before this victory, they won 1:0 against Sao Paulo at home. They also drew 1:1 with Criciuma, with Juan Martin Lucero scoring. These results show Fortaleza’s consistency in meeting pre-match expectations.

Criciuma – Form

Criciuma has also shown resilience, with two wins and a draw in their last three away games. They surprised many by defeating Atletico MG 2-1 on August 3, 2024. This victory was followed by a 2-1 win over Juventude. Their latest away game ended in a 2-1 defeat to Flamengo. Despite leading, they couldn’t maintain their advantage. This match followed the expected outcome.

Fortaleza – Criciuma – Head to Head

The last encounter between Fortaleza and Criciuma was on July 24, 2024. It ended in a 1:1 draw in Serie A. In their past 9 meetings, Fortaleza has won 3 times, while Criciuma has secured 4 victories. This gives Criciuma a slight edge in their head-to-head record. In 2 of the last 5 matches, both teams scored. Fortaleza has won the last 3 home games against Criciuma with less than 2.5 goals in each. However, they have conceded in 7 of their last 9 matches against Criciuma.

Fortaleza – Criciuma – Standings

As the 22nd round approaches, Fortaleza is in a strong position, 3rd in Serie A with 39 points from 20 matches. They have scored 26 goals and conceded 19, showing a solid defense and effective attack. Criciuma is in 12th place with 24 points from 19 games. Their goal difference is nearly balanced, with 28 scored and 29 conceded. Fortaleza leads by 15 points and has a game in hand, highlighting their superior performance this season.

Fortaleza vs Criciuma – Top scorers

Juan Martin Lucero, Fortaleza’s leading scorer, has netted 8 times this season. He is supported by Tomas Pochettino, Breno Lopes, and Renato Kayzer, who have each scored 3 goals. Bruno Pacheco has also contributed with a goal from the defense. For Criciuma, Matheusinho leads with 5 goals. Yannick Bolasie, with 4 goals, and Arthur Caike, with 3, are key players. Defenders Claudinho and Miguel Trauco have each scored twice, showing Criciuma’s offensive capabilities.

Fortaleza vs Criciuma – Full-Time Betting

Bookmakers favor Fortaleza for a home win at odds of 1.70. This reflects their strong position in Serie A and their unbeaten home record. Despite Criciuma’s recent successes, their away form is a concern. The odds of 5.75 for an away win indicate their underdog status. Although Criciuma has a slight edge in head-to-head stats, Fortaleza’s form and fewer injuries make them the favorites.

The “halftime-fulltime” bet offers Fortaleza at 2.30 to lead at halftime and win. The “draw-no-bet” option for Fortaleza is at 1.222, offering a refund in case of a draw. The “double-chance” bet for either team to win is at odds of 2.10, suitable for those expecting a clear outcome.

Fortaleza vs Criciuma – Over/Under Betting

Considering Fortaleza’s home strength and Criciuma’s away challenges, the over/under market is appealing. Past meetings and recent form suggest a game with under 3.5 goals. The “Under 2.5” option at odds of 1.70 is attractive, given the teams’ scoring patterns. However, “Over 2.5” at 2.10 could appeal to those expecting a more open match.

Fortaleza vs Criciuma – BTTS Betting

The odds for “Yes” in the BTTS market are 2.00, and 1.75 for “No”. In their last 9 meetings, both teams scored in 3 matches. Fortaleza’s strong home record and Criciuma’s scoring ability suggest potential for goals at both ends. Despite the slight preference for “No”, the “BTTS: Yes” option at 2.00 offers value for those expecting both teams to score.

Fortaleza vs Criciuma – Prediction