The opening round of the 2026 Brazilian Serie B concludes with an intriguing clash between Novorizontino and Londrina. The encounter, scheduled for Sunday evening, promises to be a balanced affair between two sides that have shown consistency in their respective state championships earlier in the season. Both teams will be eager to start their national campaign on the right foot, especially after recent disappointments in the Copa do Brasil.

Novorizontino’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Novorizontino arrive at this fixture following a goalless draw against Jacuipense on March 19, a result that led to their elimination from the Copa do Brasil on penalties. Despite that setback, the team has shown solid form overall, recording 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last five matches, with an average of 1.0 goal scored and 0.6 conceded per game. Their defensive organization has been one of their main strengths, and they will look to build on that stability as they begin their Serie B journey.

At home, the Tigre have been particularly reliable. They have scored at least one goal in each of their last 20 home matches, including 12 consecutive home games in Serie B. Moreover, they have not lost at half time in 18 of their last 20 home fixtures, often using their home advantage to control the rhythm of the game. Another notable trend is that Over 0.5 goals in the second half have been recorded in 28 of their last 31 matches, showing their ability to grow stronger as the match progresses.

In the state championship, Novorizontino impressed by reaching the final after eliminating major opponents. Although they fell short in the title decider, their performances against top-tier teams demonstrated their competitiveness. The coach will have to deal with some absences, particularly in the full-back positions, but the squad’s cohesion and tactical discipline remain key assets. The home crowd at Jorjão will once again play a crucial role in pushing the team forward.

• Ranking in Serie B: 11th


• Unbeaten at half time in 18 of last 20 home matches


• Under 3.5 goals in last 10 home Serie B games


• Over 0.5 goals in second half in last 16 home matches

Londrina’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Londrina come into this match after a narrow 0-1 defeat against Operário PR on March 18. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their last five outings. The team has struggled to find the net, averaging only 0.2 goals scored per game while conceding 0.6. This lack of attacking efficiency could be a concern as they face one of the strongest home sides in the division.

Defensively, however, Londrina have been compact. Their matches tend to be low-scoring, with Under 2.5 goals recorded in each of their last 11 games and Under 3.5 goals in the last 14. Additionally, Under 1.5 goals at half time has occurred in all of their last 14 fixtures, reflecting a cautious approach early in matches. The team’s away record shows that they often struggle to impose themselves offensively, with Under 0.5 goals scored in 4 of their last 19 away games.

Despite these limitations, Londrina’s defensive structure and discipline could make them a difficult opponent to break down. They will likely aim to frustrate Novorizontino in the first half and look for opportunities on the counterattack. The coach has a full squad available, which could help maintain tactical flexibility throughout the match.

• Ranking in Serie B: 14th


• Under 2.5 goals in last 11 matches


• Under 1.5 goals at half time in last 14 matches


• Over 7.5 corners in last 15 matches

Novorizontino vs Londrina Tactical Overview

This encounter is expected to be a tight and tactical battle. Novorizontino will rely on their strong home record and second-half performances to secure the win, while Londrina will focus on maintaining defensive solidity and exploiting any counterattacking chances. The home side’s ability to score consistently at Jorjão gives them a slight edge, but the visitors’ resilience could make the first half particularly cagey.

Historically, the head-to-head record between the two sides has been balanced, with Novorizontino winning twice, drawing once, and losing once in their last four meetings. The most recent encounter ended in a 0-1 defeat for Novorizontino, which adds extra motivation for the hosts to seek revenge and start their Serie B campaign with a statement victory.

Given both teams’ recent trends, a low-scoring match seems likely, especially considering Londrina’s defensive approach and Novorizontino’s preference for controlling games through possession and gradual buildup. The home side’s superior attacking rhythm and crowd support could prove decisive in the second half.

BetMines Prediction

Based on the available data and statistical trends, the BetMines prediction for this match points towards a Novorizontino win (1) with a probability of 41%. A draw (X) and an away win (2) are both estimated at 30% each. Considering the defensive tendencies of both teams, the Under 2.5 goals market also appears consistent with recent performances, supported by a 54% likelihood.

Novorizontino vs Londrina prediction by BetMines:
Home Win (1) with 41% probability.