Things can chage quickly in this league, a fortnight ago I wrote this ... I expect a big showing from Goias today, they are coming off a road win at Portuguesa, but had not won in three previously, including two at home and will want the safety cushion that three points will give them today, with two of their next three on the road and their next two home games looking far more difficult on paper. It will also enable them to be able to focus on their Copa do Brasil quarter final second leg, which is on the near horizon, without the threat of relegation hanging over them.

They won that 3-1 and also both matches since by a combined 5-0, results which have taken them up to 5th in the league and within five points of a Copa Libertadores place, next weekend they host Botafogo and if they could win that and tonight, it would leave them just a single point behind the (currently) second placed, which sholud be a massive incentive, but tehy seem to see this a little differently. The visitors arrive looking to become the 11th team to come away from Nautico with maximum points and the hosts are already resigned to playing second tier football next season and by winning tonight they would only be putting off the inevitiable and judging by their showing in a 5-1 home defeat to Santos in midweek, they have little desire to do so in any case, but have spoken about being really up for this match. Goias arrive without top scorer Walter (27-10-5...Goias are 0-0-4 the last four matches he has played 45 minutes or less) and that is a big loss, they also have a Copa do Brasil semi final to play on Wednesday

The team flew directly from Rio, where they played Vasco in the cup in midweek, to Recife to prepare for this game and many players do not like that and the extended absence from their families. In addition to their key striker, the Goias coaching staff have decided to rest right back Vitor (19-0-1), left back William Matheus (24-2-1), central defender Rodrigo (24-2-0), plus midfielders David (17-0-2),Eduardo Sasha, Roni (11-1-1) and Hugo (22-3-0), with the priority, clearly, the midweek meeting with Flamengo and that is very much the focus of attention on the website and talk ahead of this game, so maybe they prefer that route into the Copa Libertadores.

Hosts have had a free midweek to prepare and maybe we will see them at their "best" today. I am going to take a small bet on Nautico 1.25 units level ball 2.12-2.14 asian line and also 1.25 units "over" 2.75 goals 2.05-2.07 Pinnacle Sports.

Good Luck.