Fortaleza EC vs Vitoria - Copa do Nordeste

Season-defining implications hang over this Copa do Nordeste clash at the home ground, where Fortaleza EC host Vitoria on June 3, 2026 knowing the result could shape the run-in for both clubs. Chelsea could do with a morale-boosting win when they face AC Milan in Jakarta.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Fortaleza EC and Vitoria cross paths in the Copa do Nordeste, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. Fortaleza EC's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. Vitoria's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Fortaleza EC will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Vitoria must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. United spent last summer investing in their forward line to strengthen the attacking options in the squad, with Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all moving to Old Trafford.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the Copa do Nordeste 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.