**Operário rolls into Criciúma's backyard as the clear favorite** — the visitors are unbeaten in five and own the head-to-head advantage, while the hosts are spiraling hard. 🔴

Criciúma's last month has been rough: one win and four losses, including a 4-0 hiding to Atlético Goianiense. Operário-PR, by contrast, are clicking at both ends — three straight wins and draws keeping them sharp. The form gap is **massive**.

Key storylines:

- **Criciúma** need a fast start at home to avoid another blowout; **Operário-PR** thrive on counters and pressing, so expect a patient away performance
- **Operário-PR's** unbeaten run (2W 3D) puts them in pole position to exploit a leaky Criciúma defense
- **Mikael** and **Pablo** have been clinical in attack for the visitors, while **Diego Gonçalves** carries Criciúma's creative load despite the recent chaos

Expected lineups:

- **Criciúma**: Airton, C. Martins, R. Fagundes, Luciano Castan, M. Hermes, W. Lepo, G. Lobo, E. Biasi
- **Operário-PR**: Vágner, Moraes Júnior, J. Cuenú, Miranda, Maguinho, G. Boschilia, H. Pereira, Mikael, Pablo

Prediction:

**Operário-PR 2–0 Criciúma**

Visitors' superior form and road discipline seal a comfortable win. 🎯