Recap
Ponte Preta are going through one of the most difficult periods in the club’s recent history. After being relegated from the Paulista Championship, they are now sitting at the bottom of the Série B table with a 2-4-17 record, while the financial situation has become increasingly alarming.
The club has reportedly gone around six months without paying salaries, creating enormous internal pressure and provoking protests from supporters. At the same time, the board is attempting to accelerate the transformation into a SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol), hoping that this process can stabilize the club’s finances and provide the foundation for a future sporting rebuild.
The squad has also become increasingly depleted throughout the season. Several important players, including William Pottker, Diogo Silva and Diego Tavares, have departed, while new reinforcements remain unable to play because of ongoing sanctions. The consequences are visible on the pitch, with Ponte Preta now on an incredible 17-game winless run in Série B (0-3-14) and closing in on the competition’s all-time record of 19 consecutive matches without a victory.
Avaà is moving in the opposite direction. Their performances have improved considerably, with only two defeats in their last seven league matches, while they have won their last two against playoff contenders Operário-PR and Sport Recife.
Avaà are still in the relegation zone, sitting just two points from safety, so the motivation to continue this positive momentum is enormous.
Avaà are playing their best football of the season at exactly the right time, and I expect them to take advantage of Ponte Preta’s crisis and make it three consecutive victories.