Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Brazilian Serie A match.
The only fixture on Thursday in the shortened Matchweek 14 of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A sees Fluminense take on Cruzeiro. This encounter promises to be one of the round’s more compelling matchups. While Fluminense currently occupy seventh place in the standings, they trail second-placed Cruzeiro by only one point in terms of points dropped.
Fluminense
Fixture rescheduling has been partly influenced by the FIFA Club World Cup, in which Fluminense participated. Like their fellow Brazilian representatives, they progressed past the group stage and were the most successful non-European team in the competition. Their campaign came to an end in the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated 2:1 by Chelsea. As a result, Fluminense have yet to resume their domestic league fixtures; their Matchweek 13 clash with Mirassol, initially scheduled for 12 July, was postponed.
Cruzeiro
Cruzeiro did not take part in the FIFA Club World Cup and instead had a period of rest. Their early July preparations included two friendlies played in quick succession—a 0:1 defeat against Defensa y Justicia, followed by a 1:0 win over Banfield. In Matchweek 13, the team hosted Grêmio at the Mineirão and delivered a commanding 4:1 victory. Kaio Jorge scored a hat-trick in that match, putting him at the top of the league’s scoring chart with 11 goals to his name.
Fluminense vs Cruzeiro Prediction
Both teams are closely matched, and this game could realistically go any of three ways, a sentiment echoed by the bookmakers. However, Fluminense may have a slight advantage, having shown their credentials at the FIFA Club World Cup and benefited from additional rest by not playing a league fixture last Sunday, unlike Cruzeiro. A neutral handicap bet on the home side appears to be the most sensible option.
