CAMPINAS, Brazil (Interstat) — The Copa Paulista continues Wednesday as Associacao Atletica Ponte Preta B hosts RB Bragantino B in a Week 8 clash at Estádio Moisés Lucarelli.

The matchup pits the reserve sides of two traditional São Paulo state clubs in Brazil’s interior regional cup competition. The home side, commonly referred to as Ponte Preta B, enters as a significant favorite according to statistical projections.

Interstat’s ELO rating system gives Ponte Preta B a 63.90 percent probability of securing a victory. The firm’s game simulator predicts a 2-1 final score in favor of the hosts.

Form lines for both teams are dated, as reserve squad fixtures are irregular. Ponte Preta B’s most recent recorded result was a 3-1 victory over Juventus’ B team on Sept. 3, 2023.

RB Bragantino B, the visiting side from Red Bull Bragantino’s academy structure, last played on March 23, 2024, securing a 1-0 away win over EC São Bernardo’s first team.

The tournament provides valuable competitive minutes for young players and squad members outside each club’s primary Serie A or B rotations. The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. local (1800 GMT) kickoff on Feb. 11, 2026.

Historically, the Copa Paulista serves as a development platform and a qualifier for the following year’s Copa do Brasil. A strong campaign can offer a crucial pathway to first-team football for emerging talents.

Wednesday’s contest will be played at the 19,728-capacity Estádio Moisés Lucarelli, the historic home of Ponte Preta’s senior side, providing a traditional backdrop for the reserve fixture.

Projected lineups are not announced for reserve matches, with teams often finalized close to kickoff. The result will impact the mid-table standings in the Copa Paulista’s group stage.