Jason Collins
Dailysports's expert
For this 37th-round matchup in Brazil’s Serie B, Operário and Mirassol bring distinct playing styles that set the stage for a cautious, defense-oriented game.
Operário
Occupying seventh place, Operário has had a decent season, though their hopes of reaching the top four are slim, sitting four points behind with two games left. Recently, they clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win against Novorizontino, with the lone goal scored in the 86th minute. Their strategy is primarily defense-focused, averaging less than one goal per game, but they’re in good form, with three wins in their last four matches.
Mirassol
Mirassol, meanwhile, holds second place with strong chances for promotion. They need to maintain their top-four spot to secure a move to Serie A and currently have a three-point cushion over the fifth-placed team. Their previous game against mid-table Avaí ended in a 0-0 draw, snapping a four-game winning streak. Known for their defensive discipline, Mirassol boasts the league's best defense, conceding just 25 goals in 32 matches.
Probable Lineups
- Operário: Santos, Pará, Machado, Joseph, Oleques, Bosquilha, Vinicius Diniz, Rodrigo Lindoso, Ronaldo, Rodrigo Farofa, Rodriguez.
- Mirassol: Muralha, Zeca, Otávio, Juan Victor, Lucas Ramon, Gabriel, Danilinho, Neto Moura, Fernandinho, Dellatorre, Castillo.
Match Facts
- Operário has been solid at home, with only three losses in 18 games (10 wins, 5 draws).
- Mirassol has been inconsistent on the road, recording 5 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses.
- Odds: Home Win – 2.54, Draw – 2.92, Away Win – 3.15.
Head-to-Head
The first-round match ended with Mirassol winning 1-0 at home, with the only goal scored early in the game.
Prediction
Given both teams’ defensive focus and lack of high-scoring games, this matchup will likely be a tight, low-scoring contest. With both sides vying for promotion or a strong finish, I predict a closely fought game with minimal scoring chances. Bet on total goals under 2 for a likely outcome.
