Ponte Preta vs Criciuma - Serie B

The Serie B returns to the home ground on July 8, 2026, where Ponte Preta and Criciuma will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

A glance at the Serie B table tells the story: Ponte Preta in 20th and Criciuma in 5th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with L across their last five and a campaign win rate of 7.41% that makes for grim reading. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, LLWLL in their last five and a campaign win rate of 46.43%. Where Ponte Preta have built their campaign on solidity, Criciuma have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. The 24-year-old finished first in one of Arsenal's big pre-season testing challenges - a 1.4km run at full pace.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Ponte Preta will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Criciuma will back themselves to cause problems on the break. 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.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Mikael — 15 goals this term — will be one to watch. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Parma have officially announced their signing of centre-forward El Bilal Toure, who became the most expensive arrival in Atalanta’s history when he joined from Almeria in the summer of 2023.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. On balance, Criciuma may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.