Against All Odds: Goias to stumble against Sport Recife

Are the good times coming to an end for Goias?

It's Samba Sunday for Paul Robinson as he previews Goias v Sport Recife and the odds-on layer thinks the hosts have to be opposed.

Goias v Sport Recife
Sunday July 20, 22:30 BST

Goias are situated in mid-table after making a solid start to their campaign that has seen them win four, draw four and lose two of their opening 10 fixtures. Following their promotion from Serie B two years ago, 'Big Emerald Green' had a storming season last time to only narrowly miss out on qualification for the Copa Libertadores.

Enderson Moreira was the man in charge for those good times though and since his departure to Gremio, things haven't been quite as prosperous. Ricardo Drubscky was appointed in April - just four days before the Campeonato began - and after his side picked up 10 points from a possible 15, they've since won only one of their next five. Even at home it's now two draws in a row and they needed to come from behind twice to take a point against Santos.

Sport Recife are back in the top flight following a one year hiatus in Serie B. A third place finish saw them earn promotion though and they are following the lead of tonight's opponents by performing way beyond expectations.

Eduardo Baptista's men are up to fifth place after three successive 1-0 victories over Vitoria, Bahia and Botafogo. Victory today would guarantee a move to third in the table and they could even go as high as second if Corinthians lose at Vitoria. The Pernambuco outfit may have lost two of their five trips away from home this term but they came at reigning champions, Cruzeiro, and at Internacional, who have been strong in front of their own fans of late.

Visitors, Sport Recife, are on a huge high right now and Goias aren't quite firing on all cylinders. That's why, with them trading at around the 1.910/11 mark, I have to make Goias my lay of the day.  

Recommended Bet
Lay Goias v Sport Recife @ 1.910/11 

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 191 pts
Returned: 202.37 pts
P/L: + 11.37 pts (after commission)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)