Wednesday Football Tips: Play your cards right on derby day

Andy Schooler
22 June 2022
1:30 min read

Wagner do Nascimento Magalhaes: Controversial referee appointment

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Wednesday brings a big derby in the Copa do Brasil - and our football props column has an 8/1, cards-based Bet Builder for the contest...

"The last Classico Rei, played earlier this month, brought six Fortaleza cards (including one red) and four for Ceara, while the four meetings before that all produced at least five cards in the match."

Fortaleza v Ceara
Wednesday 22 June, 23:59

It's derby time in Fortaleza on Wednesday night with the city's two biggest sides meeting in the Copa do Brasil and cards look on the menu.

Ceara are the dirtiest team in Brazil's Serie A so far this season, picking up 38 yellow cards and four reds in their 13 matches.

Fortaleza are further down that list but 28 yellows, two reds is still a notable tally.

But what really makes me think there will be cards is the appointment of Wagner do Nascimento Magalhaes as the referee.

He angered Ceara with his decision to award a penalty and a red card against them in a recent league match, so much so that the club officially requested he be taken off this game.

The Brazilian FA were quick to refuse and it's not hard to imagine some of the Ceara players getting in his ear during this one.

The last Classico Rei, played earlier this month, brought six Fortaleza cards (including one red) and four for Ceara, while the four meetings before that all produced at least five cards in the match, so it's not difficult to see more here.

Over 2.5 cards for each team makes the Bet Builder with under 2.5 goals added to bolster the price.

These are two low-scoring sides with Fortaleza having scored only 10 goals in their 13 Serie A games with Ceara managing 13.

The visitors have landed under 2.5 goals in their last six games, while Fortaleza have managed it in five of their last seven.

With this also being the first leg of the last-16 tie, this can be added, bringing the price to just over 5/2.

I'm also tempted by Richard Candido Coelho to be one of those carded.

The defensive midfielder has received a card in 10 of his 19 games this season, including that derby earlier this month, so looks a prime candidate to attract the ref's attention.

Surprisingly he's 15/8 for a card here and if he's included in our Bet Builder it takes the price to 8/1.

As ever though, I'm wary that he may not start so you may want to stick with the smaller price or at least check the team news - you can always cash out if he's on the bench. If he's not in the matchday squad at all, the bet will just switch to the three other legs.

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