Juventude RS v Criciuma SC

Juventude RS vs Criciuma SC Preview

Juventude will be keen to return to their Estádio Alfredo Jaconi following a disappointing 2-0 defeat away from home at Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Serie A which has left the hosts occupying the last of the top 12 places in the domestic top flight table, while Criciuma gained a point in a 1-1 stalemate with Fortaleza in midweek but nevertheless this result only served to extend the visitors' winless run in the domestic top flight to five games.

Despite recent results producing fairly ordinary returns for Juventude as the hosts have slipped to five defeats within their last 10 games overall, Jair Ventura's side have also picked up three wins as well which have come in the form of victories over the likes of Vasco da Gama, Flamengo and Gremio respectively as well.

Perhaps more importantly, each of these three wins were also recorded on home soil at their Estádio Alfredo Jaconi which will give the hosts belief and confidence that they can return to winning ways here against fellow lower half counterparts, Criciuma.

In addition, Juventude have put together a solid 10-match unbeaten sequence on home soil as well which consists of five wins and five draws, while the prospect of goals look to be slim as seven of Juventude's last 10 home games have resulted in Under 2.5 goals.

Criciuma's winless run in the Brazilian top flight extended to five games when the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Fortaleza, leaving Claudio Tencati's side in 14th place in the Serie A table and three points adrift of Juventude and the top 12 pack in the division.

The visitors will therefore be keen to return to winning ways here at the Estádio Alfredo Jaconi in their quest to join the top 12 pack but this may be easier said than done as Criciuma have been handed three defeats within these previous five games which have seen them pick up just two points from a possible 15 on offer.

To make matters worse, losses at the hands of Vitoria, Corinthians and Flamengo were all inflicted upon Claudio Tencati's side on their travels and the bigger picture suggests Criciuma may struggle to produce a win here in this upcoming tussle as well.

Indeed, Criciuma have managed to collect just three wins in their previous 14 games overall in the domestic top flight, two of which were achieved on home soil at their Estádio Heriberto Hülse, while results away from home continue to disappoint; the visitors have won just two of their last 28 outings on the road.

Juventude v Criciuma Verdict

Neither Juventude or Criciuma have produced impressive results of late which could point towards a low-scoring game with perhaps Juventude nicking a low-scoring win.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Juventude win @ 2.15

Correct Score: Juventude 2-0 @ 10.00