Criciuma vs Fortaleza EC - Serie B

When Criciuma and Fortaleza EC clash at the home ground on August 23, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Serie B fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Catch up with all the action from Chelsea's pre-season clash with AC Milan.

The standings add context to the occasion — Criciuma occupying 5th, Fortaleza EC perched in 4th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, LLWLL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 46.43%. Fortaleza EC travel in decent nick, DWWDW in their last five and a win rate of 46.43% this season. The contrast in attacking output — 1 versus 1.11 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. If he finds a way of those three players gelling and playing together - making one of them run in beyond - then Chelsea will have a very good season.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. Andoni Iraola could not have been clearer about how he plans to change Liverpool when speaking in his opening press conference.

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. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has been praised by defender Josko Gvardiol for his early sessions with the team.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Fortaleza EC look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. With positions in the Serie B table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.