Ponte Preta vs Novorizontino - Serie B

Ponte Preta prepare to host Novorizontino at the home ground on June 22, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Serie B season. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

A glance at the Serie B table tells the story: Ponte Preta in 20th and Novorizontino in 1st, with positions to defend and places to climb. The hosts have found wins hard to come by, L across their last five telling the story of a win rate of 7.41%. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, DWWWW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 50%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Ponte Preta favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Novorizontino are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. It isn't clear yet that this will definitely be a winger, with Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana flexible over their attack.

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. St Johnstone twice gave up a lead before storming back to edge a seven-goal thriller on their Scottish Premiership return at home to Kilmarnock.

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. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by Ponte Preta, the weight of evidence favours Novorizontino — a 1-2 away win is the call. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".