Palmeiras vs Cruzeiro: Preview, Betting Odds & Expert Predictions

Following Wednesday's loss in a top-of-the-table battle against Botafogo, second-place Palmeiras will play Cruzeiro in their Brasileiro return match on Saturday at Allianz Parque.

Following the 1-0 defeat, Verdao fell three points behind Fogo; in this weekend's game, week 18, they will play the team in sixth place and look to keep that lead from growing.

Head-to-Head and Previous Matches

In round 17, Abel Ferreira's squad lost to Artur Jorge's squad 1-0 after winning their previous two matches in Botafogo. They had previously won three in a row at Fogo.

As a consequence, Alviverde is now three points behind the title contenders, who aim to depose Palmeiras after their two consecutive championship campaigns.

Verdao's first league goalless streak since a 3-0 loss to Fortaleza at the tail end of June, when they had scored in their previous four games.

Returning to their old haunt should lead to goals, as Ferreira's squad has scored in six consecutive matches in Sao Paulo. The last team to hold the second-placed side scoreless in the league was Athletico Paranaense, who lost 2-0 while trying to win three consecutive top-flight matches.

After suffering a 1-0 loss to Internacional and a scoreless draw with Flamengo in April, Alviverde bounced back with a lengthy run of victories on their home field.

Even if Cruzeiro's terrible road performances don't inspire confidence, they nevertheless want to avoid being the sixth team this season to lose at Palmeiras.

Raposa, now in sixth position, has won twice on the road this season. Their most recent victory came in a 2-0 victory against Gremio, who were down to 10 players.

Before their most recent victory, Fernando Seabra's squad had lost three straight road games (4-1 against Bahia, 2-1 against Flamengo, and 1-0 against Criciuma).

With their latest victory, Seabra's squad is within striking distance of six teams in the away rankings; moreover, they have yet to be able to consistently win when on the road, which might spell trouble for their chances of finishing in the top four.

They are now in sixth place, which ensures they will play in the second of three stages. However, if they finish in the top four, they can participate in the Copa Libertadores.

Raposa is hoping to keep up the good work and return to the Libertadores for the first time since the 2018–19 season. Last year, they finished fourteenth, so there's no question that this year's squad is an improvement. Seabra replaced Nicolas Larcamon in early April.

Palmeiras x Cruzeiro Team News

Estevao hurt himself against Botafogo, and the forward headed to Chelsea will not be able to play this weekend.

As Lazaro (thigh) and Bruno Rodrigues (knee) are out with injuries, the prospect of Ferreira's star player joining them on the sidelines casts a shadow over the club's preparations for this weekend's encounter. Without Ferreira, the squad would be without its top scorer and assist provider.

Cruzeiro midfielder Alvaro Barreal may not play on Saturday after being substituted after 68 minutes of their last match against Bragantino owing to what seemed to be an injury.

Due to injuries, Wallace, Marlon, Rafael Silva, and Juan Dinenno are all questionable for Celeste's team.

The former West Bromwich star Matheus Pereira, who scored twice in the victory against Bragantino, will be looking to extend his League goal-scoring streak to six this coming weekend.

Our Predictions

Palmeiras to win @ 1.60 on Sky247.ng

Despite losing all three of their home games to start the season, Palmeiras are riding high in front of their fans. They have won six in a row and kept a clean sheet in half of those games.

When faced with one of the division's unimpressive travellers, that sequence should turn into a seven.

Elevate your betting experience with Sky247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favourite teams and games.