Náutico and Fortaleza face each other this Tuesday (9), at 7pm, at Estádio dos Aflitos, in Recife, for the 12th round of the Brasileirão Série B. The direct confrontation pits two teams fighting for places in the G-6 face to face, with Timbu in 5th place and Leão do Pici right behind.
Náutico arrives at the game after a defeat in the Classic of Classics against Sport and needs a victory at home to remain firmly in the fight for promotion. Fortaleza, in turn, is looking to recover after a stumble in the final of the Cearense Championship and aims to touch the leaders of the Second Division.
Náutico confirmed lineup
Coach Hélio dos Anjos (with Guilherme dos Anjos) chose the team in 4-2-3-1:Muriel; Reginaldo, Betão, Mateus Silva, I. Fernandes; Leonai, Wenderson; Todinho, Dodô, Vinícius; Derek.
Wenderson returns from suspension and reinforces the midfield. Important absences include Victor Andrade (suspended) and Paulo Sérgio (injured). Several players are hanging.
Confirmed Fortaleza lineup
Thiago Carpini opted for 5-4-1:J. Ricardo; E. Brítez, Luan Freitas, L. Gazal; M. Júnior, Vitinho, Rodriguinho, R. Santos, Luiz Fernando; J. Miritello.
Leão do Pici has absences such as Pierre (suspended) and others due to injury, but has the return of important players in the midfield and attack.
Context and what is at stake
With Náutico adding 19 points and Fortaleza 18, the result could directly affect the table. A victory for the home team increases the distance to the G-6, while Fortaleza needs to score away from home to avoid losing ground in the fight for access. The recent history shows balance, but the control of the field at Aflitos tends to favor Timbu.
Referee Lucas Casagrande commands the match, which will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere (pay-per-view). Sportv also covers the game on closed TV.
The duel gains even more weight due to the recent pressure: Náutico seeks to erase the defeat in the derby and maintain the momentum at home, while Fortaleza tries to show consistency under Carpini’s command in the midst of an exhausting sequence.