Novorizontino vs Criciuma - Serie B

There is a notable edge to this Serie B fixture. When Novorizontino meet Criciuma at the home ground on July 21, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. He is said to have been described as 'highly compatible with United’s press-heavy, fast-transition system.' United and Arsenal are set to face competition from AC Milan and FC Porto.

In the Serie B table, Novorizontino currently occupy 1st and Criciuma sit 5th, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — DWWWW across their last five with a win rate of 50% — and they will want to push on from here. Criciuma travel in decent nick, LLWLL in their last five and a win rate of 46.43% this season. Where Novorizontino have leaned on defensive discipline, Criciuma have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. That was the 3-2 loss to Manchester United in January of this year, which ended a 121-match run without letting in three goals.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Novorizontino 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. City also want to continue improving their attack, with a top left-winger still in the offing too.

When Mikael is on the pitch — 15 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Serie B's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Baleba made it clear that he wanted to sign last summer, but Brighton valued the midfielder in excess of £100m, which was not a realistic fee for United in a window when other areas needed to be prioritised.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Given the balance of the numbers, Novorizontino should have enough to edge it — a 2-1 victory looks the most likely outcome. 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.