Cruzeiro vs Internacional Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Brasileirão action is in full flow and with that, South American expert Nathan Joyes is back to provide a Flamengo vs Botafogo. prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

After a three match winless run, Cruzeiro returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over Serie A new boys Vitoria, making it two from two at home in the league. Internacional arrive having lost just one of their last five matches, including wins on the road against Delfin and Palmeiras

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In this article:

• Cruzeiro vs Internacional Tip 1: BTTS – Yes
• Cruzeiro vs Internacional Tip 2: Internacional +0.25 Asian Handicap
• Cruzeiro vs Internacional Tip 3: Rafael Borre to Score Anytime

Cruzeiro vs Internacional  Prediction 1: Deadly attackers key to mispriced bet

Brazil, Brasileirão, Sunday, May 5th, 01:00 (UK)

Cruzeiro avoided relegation last season and will look to improve their status in 2024. At home, they’ve started on track with two wins from two. Home form will once again be crucial if they are to survive.

Three goals scored against Botafogo and Vitoria are a huge improvement on last year, where Cruzeiro only scored 14 goals in 19 home appearances.

A reason for their success in front of goal has been down to Rafa Silva, who has returned to the club after a spell in Korea. He’s scored in both home matches to date.

Yet for their success, they’ve proven to be vulnerable defensively, conceding in both home matches despite winning. They have brought in new defenders, but clearly it’s taking time to gel.

Internacional invested heavily in the off-season, and so the early signs are encouraging. Read my Serie A preview to find out more about the new additions. A 1-0 win away to Palmeiras their standout result from the opening rounds.

Scoring in all matches aside from one, where Internacional dominated against Athletico PR with 58% possession and 19 shots, they look like a side competing for a Libertadores spot next season.

With capable attackers in both teams, the market seems generous for both to find the back of the net.

• Cruzeiro vs Internacional Prediction 1: BTTS – Yes
• Best Odds: 2.05
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Cruzeiro vs Internacional  Prediction 2: Visitors underestimated in the market

With just one defeat in their last seven matches, the visitors head into this tie full of confidence with plenty of encouraging results. Although held to a frustrating draw at home to Atletico GO, wins against Bahia and Palmeiras have seen other teams at the top take note.

As mentioned, Internacional has invested heavily but they’ve brought in plenty of talented individuals capable of taking them to the next level. In their seven matches across the domestic league and Copa Sudamericana, the visitors have only conceded three goals.

If the visitors are to secure a top six finish, they’ll need to pick up points away from home. A mix of experienced heads, and exciting youth prospects have gelled well under Eduard Coudet, who have shown they are capable of performing on the road this season.

Cruzeiro may have won their opening two matches but they did come against a Botafogo side which was struggling at the start of the campaign and against Victoria, a team destined to finish in the bottom four, they have yet to face one of the better sides in the league.

• Cruzeiro vs Internacional Prediction 2: Internacional +0.25 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Cruzeiro vs Internacional  Prediction 3: Back the clinical Colombian

Former River Plate striker Rafael Borre has returned to South America after a stint in Germany didn’t quite work out. However, now back in familiar territory, the Colombian has already shown why he can be amongst the top goal scorers in the division come the end of this season.

Back-to-back goals in the Sudamericana against Delfin before scoring the equaliser against Atletico GO indicates the 28 year old has started to find his feet.

As the club’s dedicated penalty taker, Borre has the added bonus of stepping up from 12 yards, which helps without anytime goalscorer bet.

Whether playing in a 4-4-3 formation or 4-5-1, Borre leads the line for Internacional,  and with pacey attacking players in behind such as Wanderson and Mauricio, the Colombian will no doubt be provided opportunities against Cruzeiro.

In his prime, Rafael Borre has joined an exciting project in Brazil and one in which he should thrive being the main man in attack.

• Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction 3: Rafael Borre to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 4.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Cruzeiro vs Internacional Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, April 29th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Cruzeiro vs Internacional Team News and Possible Lineups: Captain and Talisman sidelined

The main headache Internacional face is the fact their leading striker and captain are currently on the injury list. Alan Patrick was Internacional’s standout player in the attacking midfield role last campaign, while Enner Valencia scored nine goals in 22 league matches after his move from Fenerbahce. 

Still, Internacional has performed strongly without them, but both will be welcomed back to the matchday squad as and when they are ready.

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:
Anderson; Marlon, Joao Marcelo, Ze Ivaldo, William Furtado, Cifuentes, Lucas Silva, Romero, Arthur Gomes, Matheus Pereira, Rafa Silva

Internacional possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Rene, Mercado, Vitao, Bustos, Mauricio, Bruno Henrique, Thiago Maia, Wanderson, Wesley Ribeiro, Borre

Match Stats

• Internacional won this fixture last year 2-1 thanks to goals from Mauricio and Wanderson.
• Cruzeiro has scored six goals in two home matches, but have also conceded three in those games.
• Cruzeiro has scored seven goals and conceded the same amount in their four domestic games to date.

Cruzeiro Fixtures: Key Sudamericana games on horizon

• Vs Alianza (A)
• Vs Atletico GO (A)
• Vs U. Calera (H)
• Vs Sao Paulo (A)
• Vs Cuiabá (H)

Internacional Fixtures: S

• Vs Tomayapo (A)
• Vs Juventude (H)
• Vs Delfin (H)
• Vs Cuiabá (A)
• Vs Juventude (A)

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