Crato vs Guarany de Sobral - Cearense - 2

There is a notable edge to this Cearense - 2 fixture. When Crato meet Guarany de Sobral at the home ground on May 19, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Cearense - 2 contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Crato and Guarany de Sobral have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. After the loss, a lot of questions began to be raised about their different approach to preparing for the game.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. According to the figures from the World Cup, only Kylian Mbappe scored more goals and produced more direct goal contributions than Messi, who finished with eight goals and 12 goal involvements while also recording four assists.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.