Match Previews

Last round's game was postponed; Vovô will complete 14 days between last match and next one. Luiz Otávio is suspended. Tiago Alves returns from suspension. Leandro Carvalho and Arnaldo are ineligible. Arthur is a doubt.

Ceará is without playing a competitive match since September, when Vovô beat Chapecoense by 3-1. Last round, the match against Cruzeiro was postponed due to Cruzeiro's cup match, this Wednesday. The two teams will be playing that round 28 match closer to the end of current month.

A a result of not playing their match, Ceará saw Chapecoense and Vasco get away from relegation zone and force the team from Fortaleza to drop to the red. Ceará has 30 points, one less than those two teams, but also one match yet to be played.

Centre-half Luiz Otávio will be missing the next match, on Monday. The defender is suspended after collecting his third yellow in that match against Chapecoense.

On the other hand, also centre-half Tiago Alves returns from suspension and should be Luiz Otávio's direct replacement.

Despite having played wel against Chapecoense, Valdo should be making ways for the return of Eduardo Brock to the starting lineup. For some reason, coach Lisca seems to prefer to use Brock to pair up with Tiago Alves, while Valdo was the partner for the now suspended Luiz Otávio in the previous game.

The winger Leandro Carvalho and the out-of-favour defender Arnaldo are out of the next match in virtue of having a contractual link with next opponents Botafogo. Leandro Carvalho should be replaced by former Ponte Preta forward Felipe Azevedo.

The important striker Arthur shouldn't be missing the match next Monday. Arthur left Friday's session earlier after feeling a slight discomfort on his thigh. Arthur left the session immediately, was left on the gym on Saturday, but was back at apparently full training on Sunday, which makes him a very likely presence on Monday.

The August signing Ricardo Bueno should be his replacement in case Arthur isn't fit. Bueno's only appearances was when he got an immediate prensence on the lineup right after arriving, as Arthur was suspended, and last week when Bueno replaced Arthur near the end. Other than that, Arthur have been absolute presence on Vovô's attack.

Vovô will start this next match with 30 points, only two away from safety places. However, Ceará has two matches less than the teams immediately above them: this very match against Botafogo, and last rounds postponed match against Cruzeiro.