Preview: Cruzeiro vs. Sao Paulo - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors currently sit fifth in the table and have the chance to break into the top four this weekend, meanwhile, the hosts will be hoping to end a seven-match run without a victory.

Match preview

It has been a difficult period for Cruzeiro in all competitions, as they are currently seven matches without a win which has placed pressure on Pepa heading into this weekend.

A big issue for them has been the fact that they have failed to keep a clean sheet during that time, which is something that they need to focus on.

Cruzeiro have also struggled to find the back of the net when it comes to home games, scoring just three times, which is one of the reasons they have struggled so much in front of their own fans.

So far this season Pepa's men have won just two matches at home, losing the other four, a run that they will need to bring to an end if they want to start progressing up the division.

As it stands they sit tenth in the division, but another game without a win this weekend could lead to them slipping into the bottom half.

When it comes to Cruzeiro's opponents, they will be focusing on applying pressure at the top end of the table as they are currently just six points behind the league leaders.

A victory would allow them to push those above and potentially break into the top four if other results go their way, adding plenty of incentive to the team for this one.

Sao Paulo secured three points in midweek with a 2-1 win against Athletico Paranaense, coming from behind with an impressive performance to showcase their qualities.

Gabriel Neves and Luciano both got on the scoresheet in that game, with the victory helping them climb up the division.

However, away from home Sao Paulo have failed to win a single match so far this season, with this proving to be a difficult situation for them.

Cruzeiro Brasileiro form:

W

L

D

L

D

L

Cruzeiro form (all competitions):

L

D

L

L

D

L

Sao Paulo Brasileiro form:

D

W

W

L

L

W

Sao Paulo form (all competitions):

W

W

L

W

L

W

Team News

The hosts head into this game with a variety of injury problems as Ramiro, Rafael Bilu, Wesley Gasolina and Fernando Henrique all find themselves out of action at the moment.

It is something that has stretched the squad, but Cruzeio still have plenty of options in each position to provide strong cover for this fixture.

Both Erison and Jandrei are able to make their return to the squad in this match as they have finished up their recent suspensions.

However, after an impressive 2-1 win in midweek, there is a chance that no changes will be made heading into this match to continue that momentum.

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:

Cabral; William, Oliveira, Castan, Xavier; Machado, Vital, Neto; Wesley, Dourado, Rodrigues

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Rafael; Rafinha, Franco, Beraldo, Paulista; Luan, Neves; Alisson, Luciano, Paulo; Calleri

We say: Cruzeiro 0-2 Sao Paulo

Cruzeiro have been in a difficult period as of late, and that is something that could continue this weekend with this possibly being the ideal weekend for Sao Paulo to get their first away win this season.

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