Avai vs Ponte Preta - Serie B

A fascinating Serie B chapter awaits on April 18, 2026 when Avai take on Ponte Preta at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

The standings add context to the occasion — Avai occupying 17th, Ponte Preta perched in 20th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. Consistency has eluded Avai in recent weeks, with LLLWW in their last five and a win rate of 29.63% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. On the road the visitors have looked devoid of inspiration, L in their last five and a win rate of 7.41% that makes for sobering reading. The contrast in attacking output — 1.04 versus 0.59 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Leeds will not improve on their third offer but have left it on the table in case Saints reconsider their position.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Avai may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Ponte Preta have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. What Bryson DeChambeau claimed about LIV Golf’s future back in 2022 In 2022, DeChambeau took part in his first ever press conference after joining LIV Golf.

When Mikael is on the pitch — 15 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Serie B's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz has made his transfer stance clear, amid talk of him 'dreaming' of a move to Manchester United.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. All signs point towards a home win, with Avai favoured to come out on top by a 2-1 scoreline. With positions in the Serie B table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.