In the early hours of Sunday, Cuiaba and Cruzeiro go head-to-head at the Arena Pantanal in a big Serie A clash.
Cuiaba form guideThe home team currently sit in 11th place in the Brazilian top flight, occupying one of the Copa Sudamericana spots after a slightly inconsistent campaign so far. A 3-0 home win over Fluminense last time out in Serie A ended a six-game winless streak, including five defeats.
Their poor recent form in the Brazilian top-flight has been based on some poor defensive displays, as they have conceded at least two goals in five of their previous seven league matches.
Cuiaba don’t have a great recent home record in Serie A. However, on home soil, they have suffered just one defeat in their previous seven league games. Their recent home matches in the Brazilian top flight have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five games.
Cruzeiro form guideThe visitors are in the difficult position of 15th place in the Brazilian top flight, just three points ahead of 17th place and the relegation zone. Cruzeiro’s recent form in Serie A has not been great, as they have won just one of their last 11 matches in the league.
Last time out, they drew 1-1 against America Mineiro. The game was another low-scoring encounter for Cruzeiro, as three of their previous four matches in Serie A have produced under 2.5 goals.
Cruzeiro have been poor on their travels in the Brazilian Serie A of late, winning just one of their last five away games in the league, a run which includes losing three of their previous four league matches. The fact that the visitors haven’t scored in three of their last four away games in Serie A hasn’t helped their away cause.
What am I backing?Both teams have been unconvincing lately, and I believe this could be a close game. With that in mind, I am backing this game to end all square.