Cruzeiro - Fluminense predictions and free betting tips [20/06/2024]

On Thursday, 20 June, as part of the 10th round of the Brazilian Serie A, Cruzeiro will host Fluminense. The visitors had an unsuccessful start to the championship and unexpectedly found themselves in the relegation zone, while Cruzeiro stands eighth in the standings with 14 points.

Stadium

The match will take place in Belo Horizonte at the Mineirao Stadium.

Cruzeiro

In the last round, Cruzeiro secured a goalless draw against Vasco da Gama and remained in eighth place in the standings, trailing the leader by five points with a game in hand. The Foxes started well, securing four wins in eight matches, with two draws and two losses, and therefore have set themselves the most ambitious goals. Since Fernando Sibra's appointment as head coach in April, he has brought positive changes to his squad's performance, achieving a 58.33% win rate.

Notably, Cruzeiro has won five consecutive home matches across all competitions and remains unbeaten in their last six home games. In terms of points gathered at home, the white-blues are fifth overall (three points in nine matches). The team has scored 10 goals and conceded the same amount, but in five of their past seven games, the hosts managed to keep a clean sheet. However, the white-blues have only scored more than one goal in two of their last six matches. 

Fluminense

Meanwhile, Fluminense's situation continues to worsen: conceding a goal in the final minute, they lost 1-2 to Atletico Goianiense at home in the last round, placing them in the relegation zone, one point short of the safe 16th spot. In the first half, Ganso put the defending Copa Libertadores champions ahead, but Luis Fernando equalised after the break, and Zuleta scored in the dying moments.

Moreover, the visitors have not won in their last six championship games, their only victory this season coming against Vasco da Gama in the third round. Fernando Diniz's men urgently need to improve their defence, as they are the second-worst in the Brazilian Serie A for goals conceded (16), trailing only Vasco da Gama (19). With four defeats in four away games, Fluminense is unlikely to harbour hopes of success this Thursday, having yet to earn a point on the road. 

Head-to-Head

The teams last faced each other in September last year, with Fluminense narrowly emerging victorious. Moreover, the visitors have defeated Cruzeiro in their last four head-to-head meetings.

Prediction: Cruzeiro vs Fluminense

So far, Fluminense looks out of sorts this campaign, and there seems to be no end to their crisis. The visitors have lost their last four matches and are further weakened by personnel issues. On the other hand, Cruzeiro has been very confident at home, winning all three of their opening games and aiming to fight for a spot in the top six. I'll bet on a victory for the white-blues.

Total Goals Prediction

Fluminense consistently concedes an average of 1.5 goals per game this season and has colossal defensive problems. I bet on the hosts' individual total over 1 goal.

Corner Kicks Prediction

With the support of their home crowd, Cruzeiro will dominate and attack more. I expect at least six corner kicks from the white-blues in this match.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Both teams consistently earn more than three yellow cards per game on average, so I'll confidently bet on the total cards over 4.5.

Score Prediction

I predict a 2-0 victory in favour of Cruzeiro.