The seventh round of Brazil’s Série B is expected to shake up the top of the table, given how tightly packed the clubs are in the standings. From leaders Vila Nova to 9th-placed Operário-PR, the gap is just three points. Vila has 12, while the Paraná side has 9. Next come four teams on 8 points: Botafogo-SP, Novorizontino, Avaí, and Athletic.
At the end of the head-to-head matchups, the two best-pointed teams in Série B secure promotion. The next four will compete in playoffs to determine the other two teams that will move up to Série A.
This Saturday, three matches will be played: Botafogo-SP vs. Náutico, at 4 p.m. at Arena Nicnet; Cuiabá vs. Criciúma, at 6:30 p.m. at Arena Pantanal; and Fortaleza vs. Goiás, at 8:30 p.m. at Castelão.
Fortaleza are in second place with 11 points. If they win, they will take over the lead and then wait to see what Vila Nova do, who host Athletic on Monday (4) at the OBA.
On Sunday, São Bernardo will host Ponte Preta at 4 p.m. at Primeiro de Maio; and Operário will host Avaí at the same time at Germano Krüger.
Also on Sunday, Sport and Ceará will play a major regional derby at 6 p.m. at Ilha do Retiro. At 6:30 p.m., Atlético-GO face Juventude at Antônio Accioly; at 8:30 p.m., América-MG and CRB play at Independência. Also at 8:30 p.m., Avaí and Novorizontino will face off at Ressacada.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.