Fortaleza EC vs Cuiaba Prediction - 31st March 2026

Fortaleza EC host Cuiaba in a crucial Serie B clash, with the hosts seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 0-4 opening day defeat to Botafogo SP. Fortaleza EC enter this fixture in strong overall form, boasting a 70% win rate and 2.30 points per game across their last 10 matches. Their home record is particularly impressive, with a 75% win rate and an average of 2.25 goals scored per game. Recent results include convincing 2-1 and 1-0 victories over Imperatriz and Ferroviario respectively in the Copa do Nordeste, demonstrating their attacking prowess. Cuiaba present a different picture entirely. Their away form is concerning, with a 0% win rate in their last 5 away games. More alarmingly for the visitors, they have failed to score in their last 5 away matches combined, averaging just 0.80 goals per game on the road. Their recent results include a 0-1 loss to Gama and two goalless draws against Tocantinópolis and Sport Recife, highlighting their struggles to find the back of the net. The head-to-head record favors Cuiaba historically (5 wins to 2), but Fortaleza EC won the most recent meeting 1-0. However, the current form differential and venue advantage heavily favor the hosts. Fortaleza EC's home scoring rate of 2.25 goals per game contrasts sharply with Cuiaba's away defensive vulnerability, having conceded 1.20 goals per game on their travels. The goal expectancy figures of 1.73 for Fortaleza and 1.02 for Cuiaba suggest a match where the home side should dominate. At 1.60 odds, the home win carries clear value given Fortaleza's 75% home win rate combined with Cuiaba's winless away run. **Key Points:** • Fortaleza EC: 75% home win rate, 2.25 goals scored per game at home • Cuiaba: 0% away win rate, 0 goals in last 5 away matches • Fortaleza EC averaging 1.50 goals per game overall vs Cuiaba's 0.80 • Cuiaba have conceded 1.20 goals per game away from home • Head-to-head: Fortaleza won last meeting 1-0 despite Cuiaba's historical dominance **Recommended Bet: Home Win**