Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Knowing that they can skyrocket their way to the top of the Serie B table, Criciuma will travel to Manaus when they meet Amazonas in the early hours of Wednesday.

Amazonas

Starting with the hosts, only making their Serie B return this season, it is no secret that Amazonas’ sole priority has been on maintaining their second-tier status this time around. However, getting Wednesday’s showdown underway sat in the drop zone and five points adrift of safety, Marcio Zanardi’s side have an almighty challenge on their hands over the final six weeks. Despite landing what was an essential 1-0 victory at home against Volta Redonda last month, it appears that was just a minor boost for the Manaus-based outfit. Signing off September with a routine 3-1 defeat against Chapecoense, Amazonas have also shown some worrying defensive issues. Along with shipping seven goals in their previous three meetings against Serie B opposition, Tuesday’s hosts have also recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 13 straight outings – a run that stems all the way back to July 20th.

Amazonas Team News

All shown costly bookings away at Athletic Club over the weekend, Amazonas will be unable to call upon the suspended trio of Rafael Monteiro, Carlos Akapo and former Montreal striker Joaquin Torres here. Likewise, not featuring over the past month, veteran defender Fabiano remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue.

Notching nine Serie B strikes this season and also getting on the scoresheet in two of his previous three appearances, Uruguayan marksman Kevin Ramirez will lead the line. One-time Boca Juniors defender Ivan Alvarino will partner Leo Coelho at the back in Manaus.

Criciuma

As for the visitors, coming from behind over the weekend as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate away at Vila Nova, Cricuma have embarked on a real Serie B fairytale this season. Getting Wednesday’s showdown underway sat in bronze medal position, Eduardo Baptista’s side know that they can skyrocket their way to the top of the table here. Rightfully receiving plenty of plaudits from across Brazil’s second-tier, the former Mirassol boss has seen his squad suffer just a single Serie B defeat since the start of August. Looking to make another statement in midweek, the Santa Catarina-based outfit have also gained a reputation for their rugged success on the road. Including a 2-0 win against Coritiba last month, Baptista’s promotion contenders are unbeaten in all of their previous eight straight matchups away from the Heriberto Hulse.

Criciuma Team News

Both shown their own respective first-half bookings against Vila Nova last week, the duo of Jhonata Robert and one-time Operario defender Rodrigo will miss out through suspension. Yet to make a single appearance since the end of May, Heitor Roca remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue.

Bagging the equaliser away at Vila Nova on Friday and finding the net for the first time since August 19th, Diego Concalves will lead the line. Now in his seventh campaign at the Heriberto Hulse, veteran midfielder Fellipe Mateus could be handed a full recall.

Amazonas vs Criciuma Key Factors to Consider

• When Amazonas and Criciuma met for their reverse Serie B showdown on June 16th, Wednesday’s guests collected a dramatic 3-2 win at the Heriberto Hulse.
• Criciuma are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 consecutive Serie B appearances.
• Along with collecting just a single point from their previous three Serie B appearances, Amazonas have also claimed just a sole win from their last seven outings.
• Wednesday’s hosts have shipped seven goals in their previous three appearances.
• Criciuma have suffered just a single defeat on their travels since the end of May.

Conclusion

Knowing that they can skyrocket their way to the top of the Serie B table in midweek, Criciuma will be looking to make another statement here. Suffering just a single defeat on their travels since the end of May, the promotion contenders will also be excited by their most recent showdown against Wednesday’s hosts. Landing an action-packed 3-2 victory when they welcomed Amazonas to the Heriberto Hulse back on June 16th, Baptista’s camp will be confident of exploiting a leaky Amazonas defence.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet