**Náutico's home fortress meets Operário's inconsistency** — this is a clash where form tells two very different stories on the north coast. 🏆

Náutico's riding a wave at Estádio dos Aflitos with three wins in their last five, while Operário can't quite find their rhythm (one loss in five, but shuffling between wins and draws). The home-field advantage tilts hard toward the Pernambucans here.

Key storylines:

- **Náutico's attack-minded shape** has looked dangerous in recent weeks — expect **V. Andrade** and **Wenderson** to probe the wings early
- **Operário's defensive solidity will be tested** against a side clicking at home; **Joseph** and **J. Cuenú** need a clean sheet to steal points
- Head-to-head history massively favors **Náutico** (4 wins to 2 in the last seven meetings)

Expected lineups:

- **Náutico**: Muriel, I. Fernandes, Arnaldo, G. Henrique, L. Felipe, J. Carlos, L. Índio, V. Andrade, Wenderson, Derek, K. Maranhão
- **Operário-PR**: Vágner, Moraes Júnior, Joseph, J. Cuenú, G. Feliciano, V. D. D. Antonia, M. Trindade, H. Pereira, G. Boschilia, Á. Torres, Pablo

Prediction:

**Náutico 2–0 Operário-PR** — the hosts lean on home form and the visitor's wobble to seize three points. ⚽