Cruzeiro - Cuiaba predictions and free betting tips [13/06/2024]

Today in the 8th round of Brazilian Serie A, Cruzeiro will host Cuiabá. The home side's winning streak came to an end last week with a defeat to São Paulo (2-0), while the yellow-green secured a victory against Criciúma by netting five goals (2-5).

Cruzeiro

Prior to the trip to São Paulo in the last round, Cruzeiro had won two consecutive matches, but after Marlon received a red card in the 38th minute, the white-and-blues crumbled and lost 2-0 with goals from former Tottenham and PSG strikers Lucas Moura and Johnatan Calleri. Previously, the Foxes had triumphed over the struggling Atlético Goianiense (0-1) and bottom-placed Vitória (3-1), solidifying their position mid-table at 9th place. Furthermore, before the defeat to São Paulo, the hosts had secured 5 consecutive victories, including three triumphs in the Copa Sudamericana – against Colombia's Alianza (0-3), Chile's Calera (1-0), and, more recently, Ecuador's Católica (1-0). This excellent form saw Cruzeiro top their group and advance to the Round of 16. 

The Foxes have won their last four home matches, scoring in their last eight home games. Left-back Marlon, suspended after the red card against São Paulo, will be replaced by Brazilian midfielder Kaiki, while Juan Dinenno, Felipe Machado, Matheus Vidal, and Rafael Bilu remain sidelined due to injuries. Matheus Pereira and Rafa Silva, both with 2 goals each in the league, are expected to start and drive the attack, with Arthur Gomes' participation (1 goal, 1 assist) still in question. The central defence will feature experienced players Zé Ivaldo and Marcelo, with William and Marcelo covering the flanks.

Cuiabá

Currently second from bottom in Serie A, Cuiabá won their first match of the season in the previous round, comfortably beating the struggling Criciúma (2-5). Although they had a numerical advantage, the result was already decided. The visitors needed this win, having started the campaign with five losses and a draw, collecting just 4 points and sitting in the relegation zone, only two points behind 16th-placed Fluminense. Additionally, the Brazilian side advanced through the Copa Sudamericana group stage unbeaten, but their 12 points were not enough to finish first, resulting in a playoff against Chilean side Palestino, relegated from the Copa Libertadores, in July. 

The triumph over Criciúma was also crucial because it marked the first time in six away games that the visitors scored more than once. Deiverson (12 goals, 2 assists last season) has been out since April due to a severe injury and will likely miss the match on Friday, along with Felipe Augusto (also out since April). Mateus Alexandre received his third yellow card of the campaign and is suspended for this match. In the previous round, the team was flooded with goals, including a brace from Clayson (7 goals, 2 assists last season) and goals from Pitta (5 goals last season), left-back Ramon (on loan from Olympiacos), and Max Alves, all eager to start this time.

Head-to-Head

Cruzeiro have never beaten Cuiabá in the 21st century, with two of the previous meetings ending in victories for the yellow-greens.

Prediction for the match Cruzeiro vs Cuiabá

Having already beaten two teams from the relegation zone (Vitória and Atlético Goianiense) this season before falling to São Paulo, Cruzeiro will be eager to bounce back in front of their home crowd. Given their excellent home form, they are likely to secure a win. My prediction is a victory for the favourites.