Cruzeiro - Athletico Paranaense predictions and free betting tips [26/06/2024]

On Thursday, 27 June, as part of the 12th round of the Brazilian Serie A, "Cruzeiro" will host "Atletico Paranaense". The hosts trail the red-and-blacks by just two points, despite having played one game less, thus the outcome of this clash will significantly influence the teams' standings in the top six.

Stadium

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

Cruzeiro

Before their trip to Bahia, Cruzeiro was in excellent shape, going three rounds unbeaten with two crucial victories over "Cuiabá" (2-1) and the crisis-ridden "Fluminense" (2-0). However, the "Foxes" unexpectedly stumbled in Belo Horizonte last weekend, showing nothing substantial in a 4-1 defeat. The blue-and-whites scored first through Gabriel Veron in the 14th minute, but went into halftime with the score tied after a goal from Tasciano.

In the 70th minute, Fernando Sibra’s team was reduced to ten men following Marlon’s dismissal, and Cruzeiro conceded three times between the 78th and 91st minutes: Oscar Estupiñan scored a brace, and Gabriel Teixeira added another. As a result, the four-time Brazilian champions dropped to eighth place, amassing 17 points in 10 rounds. It is important to note that the hosts are one of two teams in Serie A with a perfect home record: just like "Bahia", they have won all four of their home matches this campaign. 

Atletico Paranaense

Depending on "Botafogo"'s result, who play their match simultaneously, Atletico Paranaense could potentially reclaim a spot in the top four, provided they win themselves. A triumph, however, doesn't seem like a given, as the visitors have drawn their last three league matches – against "Flamengo" (1-1) and "Botafogo" (1-1), as well as "Corinthians" (1-1) last weekend.

The red-and-blacks took the lead in the first half through Christian's goal, but Kaka equalised just two minutes before halftime. Consequently, Cuca’s side dropped to fifth place in the Serie A standings with 19 points. Fans might be worried by the fact that Atletico Paranaense have managed only one victory in five away games, the 12th best away record in the division. On a positive note, the visitors have not conceded more than one goal per game in their last six matches across all competitions. 

Head-to-Head

The last meeting between these teams was in Autumn 2023, ending in a 1-1 draw. Cruzeiro have not beaten Atletico Paranaense in their last five encounters.

Prediction for Cruzeiro - Atletico Paranaense

Cruzeiro are eager to redeem themselves in front of their home fans for last weekend’s heavy defeat to "Bahia". A win in this round will likely propel the white-and-blues into the top four. The visitors, in contrast, have failed to secure a win in their last three matches and have struggled away from home. I'll take a bet on the home side with a handicap of 0.

Total Goals Prediction

Both teams have been scoring more than a goal per game this season and are unlikely to sit back. I anticipate a high-scoring encounter and will bet on both teams to score.

Corner Kicks Prediction

Given that both sides play an attacking style and frequently utilise the flanks, it’s reasonable to bet on a total of over 10.5 corners, considering they average over five corners per match.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Cruzeiro average 2.7 yellow cards per game, while the visitors average 2.6. Confidently betting on a total of over 4.5 cautions.

Score Prediction

I predict a 2-1 victory in favour of Cruzeiro.