Londrina vs Criciuma - Serie B

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Londrina and Criciuma together at the home ground on October 3, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Serie B occasion. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

Londrina head into the contest positioned 18th in the Serie B standings, while Criciuma arrive sitting 5th. Londrina are in the midst of a difficult spell, WLDLD in their last five summing up a win rate of 22.22%. Criciuma travel in decent nick, LLWLL in their last five and a win rate of 46.43% this season. The contrast in attacking output — 1.19 versus 1 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Their 3-0 win over Nice takes them up to second spot in the fledgling Ligue 1 table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Londrina will look to impose their style on home soil, while Criciuma are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Mikael — 15 goals this term — will be one to watch. 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. Reports suggest that Manchester United are still interested in Marc Casado, after failing to snag the 22-year-old midfielder in January.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by Londrina, the weight of evidence favours Criciuma — a 1-2 away win is the call. With positions in the Serie B table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".