Preview: Cuiaba vs. Sport Recife - prediction, team news, lineups

Having failed to secure a victory in their last five performances, Cuiaba shall be attempting to get back to winning ways on Thursday when they host Sport Recife.

The visitors currently find themselves in the relegation zone, but they have won their previous three matches, hitting form just in time as they attempt to fight for survival.

Match preview

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Cuiaba have had a mixed season in the Serie A, having won and lost six games while drawing the other 13, which is more than any other team in the league.

This is one of the main reasons why they have failed to progress further up the league table, as the club currently sits in 12th place; however, they are still within touching distance of the top six, giving them plenty to fight for.

They are outside of those spots by just six points, therefore a victory could catapult them into a strong position, but after five games without a win, there are plenty of improvements needed.

Cuiaba have drawn four of those fixtures, having kept two clean sheets in the process, with the most recent taking place at the weekend during a goalless draw with Sao Paulo.

Despite having 15 shots within the game, they were unable to convert any of those chances into what could have been a valuable three points.

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A draw was what took place when the two teams met earlier this season, in a game that produced zero goals, but a point will not be enough for Sport Recife this time around.

The visitors find themselves in 18th place in the Serie A table, and with games running out there is a serious need for points if they have any hope of surviving the drop.

That is something that Gustavo Florentin has recognised, as his team come into this fixture following a trio of consecutive victories, which have put them in a much stronger position.

Sport Recife have defeated Gremio, Juventude and Corinthians in their recent performances, scoring six times and only conceding twice in the process.

However, they left it late during their 1-0 victory on Saturday, with Paulinho Moccelin's goal not coming until the 81st minute as he came off the bench to create a major impact.

With a victory having the potential to put them just two points behind their opponents and most importantly drag them out of the relegation zone, this fixture could have a real impact upon Sport Recife's season.

Team News

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After keeping a clean sheet in their most recent outing, Cuiaba will likely have the same back four this time out, with Walter retaining his place in goal.

The likes of Rafael Gava and Felipe Marques could be options to start this time out, though, after they were brought into the team from the bench in the most recent outing.

Joao Igor is unavailable for the visitors after suffering a cruciate ligament injury that is going to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Neilton is also out of action at the moment, having not played a game since July due to his own fitness problems, but with the team currently flying in confidence, there could be an unchanged lineup from the victory over Corinthians.

However, one switch that might take place could see match-winner Moccelin come into the team for this game, with Sport Recife potentially fielding two strikers.

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Uendel, Empereur, Paulao, Lucas; Camilo, Clayson, Pepe, Auremir; Alves, Elton

Sport Recife possible starting lineup:
Maylson; Da Silva, Thyere, Sabino, Sander; Marcao, Felipe, Welison, Gustavo; Moccelin, De Sousa

We say: Cuiaba 0-1 Sport Recife

This fixture is one of great importance to both teams as it has the potential to dictate how they will spend the final run-in of the season.

However, even though they are currently in the relegation zone, the visitors head into this one with brighter form and great attacking quality, and that momentum could see them earn a crucial three points.