Preview: Cruzeiro vs. Fluminense

Sports Mole previews Thursday’s Brasileiro clash between Cruzeiro and Fluminense, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Cruzeiro host Fluminense on Thursday, hoping to secure a win that could propel them into the top five of the Brasileiro.

The visitors, on the other hand, have endured a dismal start and are battling to escape the relegation zone.

Match preview
© Reuters

Cruzeiro were held to a goalless draw by Vasco da Gama last time out, leaving them in eighth place and five points adrift of the leaders with a game in hand.

The Foxes have made a positive start to the season, recording four wins from eight matches, with two draws and two defeats, putting them on track for a better season than the previous one.

Since Fernando Seabra’s appointment in April, he has overseen positive changes, leading to a 58.33% win rate in his 12 matches in charge.

Back on home soil against Fluminense, Cruzeiro will be looking to extend their impressive home form. They are currently on a five-match winning run at home in all competitions, while remaining unbeaten in their last six.

Cruzeiro will see this as a golden opportunity to break their four-match losing streak against the visitors and claim their first win against them since 2019.

Meanwhile, things have gone from bad to worse for Fluminense as they conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 2-1 against Atletico Goianiense on home turf, leaving them just one place above the bottom after nine matches.

The Tricolors are now winless in their last six league games, losing the last two, with their only victory this season coming against Vasco de Gama on matchday three.

Fernando Diniz’s men have been plagued by a leaky defence, conceding the second-most goals in the league (16) – only Vasco da Gama (19) have conceded more.

With four defeats from four away games, Fluminense will need to significantly improve their performance if they want to pick up their first point on the road this season.

Cruzeiro Brasileiro form:

Cruzeiro form (all competitions):

Fluminense Brasileiro form:

Fluminense form (all competitions):

Team News
© Reuters

Cruzeiro will be without Jose Cifuentes, who is away on international duty with Ecuador at the Copa America.

The Foxes are also dealing with a number of injuries, with Alvaro Barreal (knee), Arthur Gomes (thigh), Mateus Vital (shoulder), Juan Dinenno (groin) and Rafael Bilu (Achilles tendon).

Rafael Silva is expected to lead the line for this clash, looking to add to his three goals from seven league appearances so far.

Fluminense will be without Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias, who is away on international duty at Copa America.

Andre Trindade is the only absentee on the injury front, as the midfielder is ruled out with a knee issue until later this month.

However, up to four players will miss out through suspension, as Felipe Melo serves a one-match ban for the late red card against Atletico GO, while Guga, Ganso and Martinelli are all out due to accumulated yellow cards.

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:
Anderson; William, Ivaldo, Marcelo, Marlon; L. Silva, Romero, Ramiro; Veron, Robert, R. Silva

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Xavier, Marlon, Manoel, Marcelo; Pereira, Alexsander, Lima; Marquinhos, Cano, Kennedy

We say: Cruzeiro 2-1 Fluminense
Fluminense have looked a shadow of themselves so far, and they seem not to have a clue how to stop the rot. On the other hand, Cruzeiro have been solid at home this season with three wins from as many games. We are backing the hosts to win this one.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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