The 32nd round of the Brazilian Serie B brings an intriguing clash between Grêmio Novorizontino and Operário-PR this Sunday, October 12, at the Estádio Jorjão. The match kicks off at 16:00 (Brasília time) and will be broadcast live on Disney+ and ESPN. Both teams arrive at this stage of the competition with contrasting momentum — Novorizontino fighting for promotion and Operário struggling to regain form after a poor run of results.

Grêmio Novorizontino’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Novorizontino enter this fixture in strong form, having lost only once in their last seven matches. The team has collected three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five outings, scoring an average of 0.8 goals and conceding just 0.4. Their defensive consistency has been one of the main reasons they remain in the promotion race. Currently sitting 5th in Serie B with 50 points, they are level with Chapecoense and Criciúma, who occupy the third and fourth positions respectively.

At home, the Tigre have been particularly reliable. They have scored at least one goal in each of their last 15 home matches and have seen Under 3.5 goals in their last 12 league games. This combination of attacking regularity and defensive discipline makes them one of the toughest sides to beat at the Jorjão. Their last match ended in a 1-0 away victory against Cuiabá, further boosting confidence ahead of this crucial encounter.

However, coach Enderson Moreira will have to deal with several absences. Top scorer Robson is suspended after receiving a red card against Cuiabá, while winger Waguininho is also out due to suspension. Right-back Matheus Dantas will miss the match as well. In their absence, Léo Tocantins is expected to return to the starting lineup, leading the attack alongside Lucca and Bruno José. The probable starting XI should be: Airton; Pablo Dyego, César Martins, Patrick, Patrick Brey; Jean Irmer, Fábio Matheus, Rômulo; Bruno José, Lucca, Léo Tocantins.

Operário-PR’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Operário-PR arrive in a difficult moment, having suffered three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 1-4 home loss to Athletic Club-MG in their last outing. That result exposed the team’s defensive fragility and lack of intensity in the first half, where they conceded most of the goals. Over their last five matches, the Fantasma have recorded one win, one draw, and three losses, averaging 0.8 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per game.

In the overall Serie B standings, Operário sit in 13th place with 39 points, far from the relegation zone but also distant from the promotion battle. Their away record has been modest, and they have struggled to find consistency on the road. In fact, Under 3.5 goals have been recorded in each of their last 12 away matches, reflecting a cautious approach and limited attacking output. Additionally, at least one team has failed to score in the second half of their last 20 league games, showing a recurring lack of offensive creativity after the break.

Coach Alex will also have to manage several absences. Midfielder Pedro Vilhena is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while other players remain sidelined due to injuries. The expected lineup should be: Elias; Diogo Mateus, Miranda, Giraldo, Gabriel Feliciano; Índio, Zuluaga, Boschilia; Kleiton, Vinicius Mingotti, Vitor Pernambucano.

Match Analysis: Novorizontino vs Operário-PR

This encounter presents a clear contrast in form and confidence. Novorizontino are pushing hard for a top-four finish and have turned their home ground into a fortress, while Operário are enduring a poor run that has seen them concede heavily and struggle to create chances. The home side’s defensive solidity, combined with their ability to find goals at the Jorjão, makes them strong favorites to take all three points.

Historically, the head-to-head record between these sides is balanced, with two wins each and one draw, but the most recent meeting ended in a 2-0 victory for Novorizontino in June 2025. Given the current dynamics, a similar outcome would not be surprising. The hosts have been consistent in scoring at least once per match, while the visitors have shown vulnerability, particularly in the first half of games.

Even without key attacking players, Novorizontino’s collective structure and home advantage should be enough to overcome an Operário side low on confidence. The visitors’ defensive issues and lack of efficiency in front of goal could once again prove costly. Expect the home team to dominate possession, create more chances, and maintain control throughout the 90 minutes.

Probable Lineups: Novorizontino vs Operário-PR

GRÊMIO NOVORIZONTINO (4-3-3): Airton; Pablo Dyego, César Martins, Patrick, Patrick Brey; Jean Irmer, Fábio Matheus, Rômulo; Bruno José, Lucca, Léo Tocantins. Coach: Enderson Moreira.

OPERÁRIO-PR (4-3-3): Elias; Diogo Mateus, Miranda, Giraldo, Gabriel Feliciano; Índio, Zuluaga, Boschilia; Kleiton, Vinicius Mingotti, Vitor Pernambucano. Coach: Alex.

Novorizontino vs Operário-PR prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is a Home Win (1) with a 46% probability. The Draw (X) follows with 30%, while an Away Win (2) stands at 24%.