Juventude’s tight defence meets a Ceará side short of goals
Juventude are Ceará’s visitors at the Arena Castelão on Saturday, 17 October 2026, in round 34 of the Série B. Daniel Paulista’s side are 15th with 42 points and lost 1-0 at Botafogo-SP on Monday. Juventude are third with 60 points, level with second-placed Novorizontino, and have conceded only 21 goals in 33 games. Kick-off is at 21:30 CEST (16:30 local time), with Kleber Ariel Gonçalves da Silva the referee.
Predicted lineups: Ceará vs Juventude
Ceará are without centre-back Luiz Otávio, who is suspended after his third yellow card, and left-back Sávio. Gabriel Rocha and Bryan Borges are doubts, while Vina returns from suspension. Juventude get right-back Aderlan back from a ban, but Mandaca, Patryck Lanza and Fábio Lima are doubts. The line-ups below follow Futebol Interior’s prediction.
Ceará Team News & Preview
Ceará lost 1-0 at Botafogo-SP on Monday. Hygor scored after a defensive error in the 73rd minute, and Ceará created very little, which ended a five-game unbeaten run.
At the Castelão they have been more solid, with four straight home wins. They are six points clear of the relegation zone and want to reach 45 points as quickly as possible, so a cautious approach is likely.
What works for or against Ceará
- Four straight home wins.
- Luiz Otávio suspended, Sávio out.
- Created little at Botafogo-SP.
- Lost the last four meetings.
Juventude Team News & Preview
Juventude drew 2-2 with São Bernardo last weekend and lost top spot. Rodrigo Sam and Raí scored, but they conceded a penalty and another goal in a rare open game.
That result was unusual. Juventude have conceded only 21 goals all season, and in their last seven away games they took points six times, keeping a clean sheet in each of those six games. They have also won the last four meetings with Ceará.
What works for or against Juventude
- 21 goals conceded in 33 games.
- Won the last four meetings.
- Aderlan back from suspension.
- Fábio Lima and Mandaca doubtful.
Ceará vs Juventude Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
Ceará vs. Juventude Stats Comparison
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Ceará vs. Juventude Form Guide
Ceará Form, Stats & Data
Ceará score 1.06 league goals per game and concede 1.21. At home they have eight wins, three draws and five defeats, with 20 goals scored and 17 conceded.
Juventude Form, Stats & Data
Juventude score 1.18 league goals per game and concede 0.64. Away from home they have seven wins, four draws and five defeats, with 15 goals scored and 13 conceded.
Ceará vs Juventude: Prediction & Betting Tip
Juventude have conceded 21 goals in 33 games, and Ceará have scored 35 goals in 33 games and created little last time out. Ceará are also without centre-back Luiz Otávio, so I expect them to be careful. I like Under 2.5 Goals at 1.47.
My main concern is Juventude’s last game, a 2-2 draw that showed they can be opened up. Ceará have also won four home games in a row. But both sides average well under three goals per game, and this has the shape of a tight contest.
Under 2.5 Goals at 1.47 with Winz is the bet. Correct score: 0-1.