Gremio vs. Cruzeiro Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 5 November 2025

In an intriguing Serie A clash on 5 November 2025, 11th-placed Gremio will host 3rd-placed Cruzeiro at 23:00 in what promises to be a captivating encounter. Gremio, led by Mano Menezes, find themselves with 39 points and are keen to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to Corinthians, where an early error by goalkeeper Tiago Volpi cost them dearly. Cruzeiro, on the other hand, sit comfortably in 3rd with 60 points and come off a strong 3-1 win over Vitoria.

Cruzeiro, the bookmaker favourite with odds of 2.29, look poised for an attacking strategy, especially in the first half, despite several key injuries including Wanderson and others. Gremio faces an uphill task with numerous injuries, including top scorer Martin Braithwaite.

Recommended bet: Cruzeiro to win. With Gremio’s injury woes and Cruzeiro’s solid form, Leonardo Jardim’s squad has the upper hand. Expect a dynamic match contributing to the broader landscape of the Serie A season.

Gremio vs Cruzeiro Prediction & Betting tip

Gremio vs Cruzeiro Prediction
Betting tip
Cruzeiro to win

Key insights:

• Gremio’s injury crisis, with key players like Martin Braithwaite out for the season, weakens their attacking options significantly.
• Cruzeiro, despite injuries, have shown solid form, winning two and drawing three in their last five matches.
• The bookmaker’s odds favour Cruzeiro (2.29), indicating a higher probability of an away victory.

Given the challenges Gremio faces, including a recent 2-0 loss to Corinthians and key player absences, Cruzeiro’s more dynamic form and third-place standing bolster their chances for victory in this matchup. Expect Leonardo Jardim’s side to leverage their attacking prowess against a depleted Gremio squad.

Gremio vs Cruzeiro Odds

The betting odds for the upcoming Serie A clash between Gremio and Cruzeiro show a clear favourite in Cruzeiro. As the bookmakers’ choice, Cruzeiro carry odds of 2.29 to win, illustrating their strong form and higher league position. Gremio, dealing with a series of injuries and inconsistent performances, have odds of 3.10 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.16.

Gremio vs Cruzeiro Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Gremio to win	3.10
Draw	3.16
Cruzeiro to win	2.29

With Gremio facing an uphill battle due to their numerous injuries and recent 2-0 defeat to Corinthians, Cruzeiro appear well-positioned for a favourable result. The odds suggest that Cruzeiro’s attacking strategy might pave the way for an away victory against a depleted Gremio side.

Gremio Team Analysis

Gremio Recent Performance

Gremio’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins and three losses in their last five Serie A encounters. Their performance saw them securing victories against Juventude (3-1) and Sao Paulo (2-0), but they have also suffered defeats to Corinthians (2-0), Bahia (4-0), and Red Bull Bragantino (1-0).

Recent Form: LWLWL

In their last five matches, Gremio have averaged 1.00 goals scored per game and have kept just one clean sheet, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. The absence of several key players due to injuries, including top scorer Martin Braithwaite, has significantly impacted their attacking prowess.

With an injury list including Rodrigo Ely, Fabian Balbuena, and Willian, all of whom are vital to their defensive setup, Gremio face a tough challenge in maintaining their mid-table position. Their last performance, a 2-0 loss to Corinthians, was marred by an early mistake from goalkeeper Tiago Volpi, which set the tone for the rest of the game.

Gremio Key Players

Gremio’s squad will have to rely heavily on the remaining fit players for this crucial clash against Cruzeiro. With Martin Braithwaite, their top scorer with 6 goals, out for the season due to an Achilles tendon injury, other players need to step up.

Notable players to watch include:

• Carlos Vinícius: Expected to lead the attack as Centre Forward.
• Francis Amuzu: Adding dynamism on the Left Wing.
• Edenilson: Central to Gremio’s midfield creativity.
• Arthur and Dodi: Offering stability in defensive midfield positions.

Expected lineup for Gremio:

• Goalkeeper: Tiago Volpi
• Defenders: Joao Lucas, Erick Noriega, Wagner Leonardo, Marlon
• Midfielders: Arthur, Dodi, Edenilson, Alysson Edward
• Wingers: Francis Amuzu, Alysson Edward
• Forward: Carlos Vinícius

Given their current injury woes, key individual battles, like Carlos Vinícius against Cruzeiro’s Fabricio Bruno, will be decisive.

Gremio Suspensions & Injuries

Gremio is facing a significant injury crisis that could heavily impact their performance against Cruzeiro. Key absences include:

• Martin Braithwaite: Top scorer with 6 goals, out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury.
• Rodrigo Ely: Cruciate ligament injury, potential return mid-December 2025.
• Mathías Villasanti: Cruciate ligament injury, out for the season.
• Fabian Balbuena: Broken ankle, potential return early December 2025.
• Joao Pedro: Shoulder injury, out for the season.
• Willian: Broken foot, potential return mid-November 2025.
• Marcos Rocha: Thigh injury, potential return mid-November 2025.
• Alex Santana: Muscle injury, potential return mid-November 2025.

These injuries leave Gremio with a weakened squad both in defence and attack. The absence of Braithwaite severely limits their goal-scoring options, while the defensive injuries strain their ability to keep clean sheets. This could tilt the balance in favour of Cruzeiro.

Gremio Tactics and Formation

Gremio Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Carlos Vinícius
• Midfield Trio: Arthur, Dodi, Edenilson
• Defensive Strength: 1 clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Gremio often focuses on maintaining possession and building up play from the back. They aim to utilize the flanks through wingers like Francis Amuzu and Alysson Edward to create scoring opportunities.

Despite their lineup’s attacking potential, Gremio’s injuries have forced them to rely on a more cautious and disciplined approach. With a depleted squad, Mano Menezes is likely to deploy a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. The defensive midfielders, Arthur and Dodi, play crucial roles in breaking up opposition play and providing cover to the backline.

However, their lack of key attacking options may limit their ability to press forward heavily, making this an uphill task against Cruzeiro.

Cruzeiro Team Analysis

Cruzeiro Recent Performance

Cruzeiro has exhibited commendable consistency in their recent performances, securing two wins and three draws in their last five Serie A matches. Their recent form includes a solid 3-1 victory against Vitoria, a 0-0 draw with Palmeiras, a narrow 1-0 win over Fortaleza, and draws against Atletico MG (1-1) and Sport Recife (1-1).

Recent Form: DDWDW

With an average of 1.20 goals scored in the last five games and two clean sheets, Cruzeiro has demonstrated both attacking and defensive resilience. Their solid form has kept them in the race for a top finish, currently sitting third in the Serie A standings with 60 points.

Despite some notable injuries, Cruzeiro’s balanced squad continues to deliver under Leonardo Jardim’s leadership, making them formidable opponents for any team. Their blend of disciplined defence and effective attack could play a pivotal role in their next match.

Cruzeiro Key Players

Cruzeiro’s balanced squad boasts several key players crucial for their success against Gremio. Kaio Jorge, their top scorer with 17 goals, will lead the attack and is expected to be a constant threat to Gremio’s depleted defence.

Other notable players include:

• Matheus Pereira: Central to their midfield creativity.
• Christian Cardoso: Providing width and pace on the right wing.
• Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva: Offering solidity in defensive midfield roles.

Expected lineup for Cruzeiro:

• Goalkeeper: Cassio
• Defenders: William, Fabricio Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki
• Midfielders: Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Matheus Pereira, Christian Cardoso
• Winger: Keny Arroyo
• Forward: Kaio Jorge

Individual battles such as Kaio Jorge against Gremio’s Erick Noriega could prove decisive. This dynamic lineup under Leonardo Jardim’s leadership is well-equipped for their upcoming challenge.

Cruzeiro Suspensions & Injuries

Cruzeiro is grappling with significant injuries that could influence their performance against Gremio. Key absences include:

• Wanderson: Cruciate ligament injury, out for the season.
• Matheus Henrique: Broken rib, out for the season.
• Marquinhos: Cruciate ligament injury, out for the season.
• Fagner: Ankle injury, potential return mid-November 2025.
• Yannick Bolasie: Knee injury, potential return late November 2025.

These injuries, particularly to essential players like Wanderson, have left gaps in both defensive and attacking areas. However, Cruzeiro’s depth has allowed them to maintain their form, thanks in part to players like Keny Arroyo stepping up. The absence of these players might push Leonardo Jardim to make strategic adjustments, ensuring the squad remains competitive.

Cruzeiro Tactics and Formation

Cruzeiro Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kaio Jorge
• Midfield Trio: Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Matheus Pereira
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Employing width through wingers and a high-pressing game to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play.

Cruzeiro, under Leonardo Jardim, have been consistent with their 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing a balanced approach between attack and defence. With Kaio Jorge leading the line, they aim to maximize their chances through quick transitions and maintaining possession. The midfield duo of Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva provides a solid base, allowing creative outlets like Matheus Pereira and Christian Cardoso to exploit spaces on the wings and deliver incisive passes. Despite key injuries, Cruzeiro’s tactical discipline and strategic depth make them formidable opponents, particularly against an injury-hit Gremio.

Gremio vs Cruzeiro Head-to-Head Statistics

Gremio and Cruzeiro have faced each other multiple times in recent seasons, with Cruzeiro holding the upper hand.

In their last five encounters, Cruzeiro secured three victories, while Gremio managed one win and one draw:

• 13 July 2025: Cruzeiro 4-1 Gremio (Serie A)
• 28 November 2024: Cruzeiro 1-1 Gremio (Serie A)
• 10 July 2024: Gremio 0-2 Cruzeiro (Serie A)
• 27 August 2023: Gremio 3-0 Cruzeiro (Serie A)
• 31 May 2023: Cruzeiro 0-1 Gremio (Cup)

This recent history suggests a competitive edge for Cruzeiro, especially considering their current form and league standing.

Given the injury crises both teams are facing, especially Gremio, maintaining focus on historical performance could provide insights into likely strategies and outcomes for this match.

Odds accurate as of 11/03/2025 23:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.