Sao Bernardo lined up in a 4-2-3-1 in their last league match, with Daniel Amorim leading the line and supported by attacking midfielders Mejia Prata, Robson and Lucas Ryan. The game was fiercely contested from the first half. Lucas Ryan opened the scoring soon after kick-off, and although the visitors came from behind to lead, starting defender Rodrigo Ferreira equalised before half-time. Neither side found another goal in the second half and the match ended level.
Avaí used a 4-4-2 in their previous league outing, with Daniel Penha and Jean Lucas as the front two, while Soares and Tyron attacked from the flanks. Wing-back Douglas Teixeira struck early to give them a half-time lead. Although substitute defender William was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge, Avaí still added a second before full time through Daniel Penha to secure a 2-0 win and all three points.
Sao Bernardo will be without defender Salustiano and midfielder Rodrigo Andrade through injury. Avaí have no injury concerns, but defender William is suspended.
Sao Bernardo drew 2-2 at home against Cuiabá in their last league game, ending a three-match losing run and lifting morale. They rarely lose at home and have shown resilience there, so this looks like a good chance to bounce back with a win. Avaí beat Náutico 2-0 at home last time out to stop their own losing streak, but they have lost six straight away league matches and conceded heavily on the road. Against a stronger Sao Bernardo side, this is likely to be another difficult trip.
The two teams have not met in recent years.