CRB vs Fortaleza EC - Serie B

There is a notable edge to this Serie B fixture. When CRB meet Fortaleza EC at the home ground on June 21, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. 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 paint a clear picture: CRB in 8th, Fortaleza EC in 3rd, and both keen to climb. CRB have been picking up results at a respectable clip, LWWLW over their last five with a season win rate of 44.44%. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, DWWDW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 46.43%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Skinner had another year to run on his contract but has decided to move on a month out from United beginning their Women’s Super League season at London City Lionesses on September 4.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. CRB will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Fortaleza EC's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United 'are not proceeding' with a move for the Brighton midfielder.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer Mikael, with 15 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The Sun claims Arsenal and United scouted the Shakhtar Donetsk forward, who scored a hat-trick against Kudrivka on Monday and is rated at £30million.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Fortaleza EC look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. Whatever the outcome, the Serie B fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. 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.