The third round of the Copa do Brasil 2026 brings an intriguing contest between tradition and emerging ambition as Ponte Preta hosts Guarany de Bage at Moisés Lucarelli in Campinas. While Ponte Preta, guided by Marcelo Fernandes, enter this clash striving to halt a concerning winless streak, Guarany de Bage, under Wiliam Campos, arrive with recent momentum and a resilient identity. Beyond the surface, this matchup offers a fascinating study in contrasting form and philosophies, with both teams looking to etch a memorable chapter in the country’s most unpredictable cup competition.
Among Ponte Preta’s lineup, Bryan Borges Mascarenhas has shown dynamism on the flanks, contributing a rare defensive goal and offering defensive resilience amidst recent adversity. For Guarany de Bage, the midfield engine and consistent ball-winning presence have been pivotal in tightening up the squad’s defensive structure, especially in big matches.
A hot stat emerges from Guarany de Bage’s recent outings: they have scored six goals across their last five matches, a notable uptick in offensive production that contrasts sharply with Ponte Preta’s solitary strike over the same period.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Copa do Brasil 2026 (Round 3) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Moisés Lucarelli, Campinas |
| 🗓️ Date: | 11.03.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 02:30 CEST |
🏅Best bets for Ponte Preta vs Guarany de Bage at Thunderpick with a Welcome offer +100% up to 600€💰
Ponte Preta vs Guarany de Bage prediction
The best value prediction for this clash leans towards a narrow Guarany de Bage win or a “Draw No Bet” backing the visitors. The rationale here stems from two critical trends: Ponte Preta’s dire form (no wins in eight games this year, one goal in their last five matches) and Guarany de Bage’s steadier confidence, evidenced by three victories in their last six outings. With Ponte Preta struggling to generate clear chances or maintain attacking structure—averaging just 16 shots and one goal in their most recent five matches—Guarany’s confidence and attacking edge seem decisive.
Expect a physical contest: Ponte Preta have accumulated 25 fouls and four yellow cards recently, indicating discipline issues that could see them surrender dangerous set-piece opportunities. In contrast, Guarany de Bage’s lower foul tally (15) and disciplined defensive transitions underpin their tactical plan, while their marked advantage in ball-winning and interception stats (29 to Ponte Preta’s 12) hints at midfield supremacy. Ball retention remains an area for improvement for both; Ponte Preta’s declining pass accuracy (71 percent) and Guarany’s slightly better efficiency (78 percent) might impact transitions, but Guarany’s vigor in pursuit is expected to make the difference.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Draw No Bet: Guarany de Bage |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Under 10.5 |
Team Analysis
Ponte Preta come into this encounter on the back of a 1-2 home defeat to Sao Paulo—an effort that did show sparks of improvement but ultimately fell short. The team struggled to maintain defensive shape under pressure and managed only 16 shots, with errant finishing remaining a concern. Defensive lapses and an inability to convert set-piece opportunities proved costly, a trend echoed across all competitions in recent weeks. As the losses have mounted, confidence has become increasingly fragile, and the forced defensive rotations have further disrupted any chance at tactical cohesion.
Guarany de Bage, by contrast, drew 1-1 in a gritty affair versus Avenida before defeating SER Caxias and Inter Santa Maria in back-to-back fixtures. A recent win against Monsoon capped an impressive spell; their tactical discipline, improved transition play, and an uptick in offensive efficacy—with six goals in their last five matches—emphasize a positive trajectory. The team’s ability to absorb pressure and spring quickly via the wings has allowed them to exploit opposition fatigue in later stages. Increased shot volume (55 attempts over five matches) further underscores their newfound attacking intent.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Ponte Preta | Guarany de Bage |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 6 |
| Total shots | 16 | 55 |
| Free kicks | 1 | 0 |
| Corner kicks | 10 | 21 |
| Total fouls | 25 | 15 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 71 | 78 |
| Interceptions | 12 | 29 |
| Offsides | 4 | 3 |
🚨Read our full Ponte Preta vs Guarany de Bage stats for more analysis.

Ponte Preta. Source: Official Website
Despite Ponte Preta’s historical pedigree and home advantage, this showdown’s odds must respect current form. Ponte Preta’s drop in attacking fluidity and defensive stability, paired with Guarany’s improving conversion and work rate, make the visitor’s odds surprisingly attractive for value bettors. The under is compelling, given both sides’ profligacy in front of goal and the hosts’ lack of recent scoring punch. Ultimately, traditional favorites on paper rarely enjoy such status when facing a well-drilled, in-form underdog with growing momentum.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅
- Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
- Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
- Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.
Possible Starting Lineups
Ponte Preta possible starting eleven

- GK: Diogo Silva
- DF: David Braz, Lucas Cunha, Bryan Borges Mascarenhas, Pacheco
- MF: Elvis, Léo Naldi, Felipe Amaral
- FW: Luis Phelipe, Jeh, Danilo Gomes
Given recent lineups and player availability, Ponte Preta should stick with a 4-3-3 formation. Diogo Silva brings experience between the posts, while Bryan Borges Mascarenhas offers energy and a set-piece threat at fullback. Lucas Cunha’s discipline will be vital against Guarany’s pace. In midfield, Elvis adds composure and passing, although deeper playmaking support is necessary. Eyes will be on Luis Phelipe and Jeh to break out of their scoring slump, but the squad’s challenge lies in restoring confidence and avoiding costly defensive errors.

Guarany de Bage have consistently utilized a 4-2-3-1 structure, prioritizing midfield solidity and rapid transitions. Given the most recent appearances, expect a largely unchanged core, emphasizing continuity and chemistry in both defensive and attacking lines. With no red cards or major suspensions, the starting group will focus on ball-winning in midfield and quickly supporting their lone forward. Their edge will rely on maintaining discipline and controlling the tempo through aggressive pressing and quick passing exchanges.
Best football betting sites and Bonuses
| 🏆Betting site | 💰Welcome offer | 🤑Promo code |
|---|---|---|
| WinSpirit | Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$; 25% Freebet | TIPS.GG |
| Thunderpick | Welcome offer +100% up to 600€ | TIPSGG |
| GG.bet | Freebet up to 50USD | TIPSGG |
| N1Bet | Welcome offer 120% up to 600$ | TIPSGG |
| Stake | 200% promo code bonus up to 500$ | TIPSGG |

Guarany de Bage. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
The momentum squarely favors Guarany de Bage, whose recent form in front of goal and tactical discipline shadow Ponte Preta’s current struggles. My main pick is Draw No Bet for Guarany de Bage, banking on their confidence, scoring surge, and superior ability to grind out results when under duress. While Ponte Preta have the quality to disrupt on their day, the tide of form and the psychological edge rest with the visitors as they seek to extend their positive stretch into the cup’s deeper stages.

