Preview: Cruzeiro vs. Vasco da Gama - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams are level with 40 points at the moment, but with a draw or a defeat having the potential to drop either club into the bottom four, there is a lot to play for.

Match preview

Cruzeiro sits just two points above the relegation zone heading into this midweek match, which is placing plenty of pressure on Paulo Autuori and his players.

However, the team should have some confidence from the weekend after picking up three points against Fortaleza in what proved to be a tense 1-0 win.

Bruno Rodrigues ended up scoring the winner, but Cruzeiro had to work hard to achieve that with the goal coming in the 80th minute, proving the team has patience when needed.

It was also a positive defensive performance which has been one of the strengths of the team throughout the season as Cruzeiro have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the league.

However, they have struggled for consistent victories which has resulted in the current league position which they will be attempting to change in the final games of the campaign.

The visitors also find themselves in a similar position in the Brasileiro as they are level on points with their opponents which makes this a crucial match for both teams.

Considering there is only two points between them and the relegation zone, there is no room for error heading into this one, but the visitors are in a strong run of form.

Vasco da Gama are undefeated in their previous four outings, and after three consecutive victories, they should have plenty of confidence that they can take three points here.

Pablo Vegetti gave his team the perfect start at the weekend with a fourth-minute goal, but after conceding an equaliser against America Mineiro they were forced to fight until the end.

Ultimately Dimitri Payet scored the winner in the 94th minute, and the ability to push until the final whistle is something that will prove to be important in this match.

Ramon Diaz's men have been stronger at home throughout the season though, and the fact they have only won three away games has led to the club being in this position.

Cruzeiro Brasileiro form:

W

W

L

L

L

W

Vasco da Gama Brasileiro form:

L

L

D

W

W

W

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Team News

Cruzeiro have several long-term injuries right now with Lucas Silva, Ramiro, and Rafael Bilu all sidelined and not expected back until December.

Rodrigues will expect to retain his position in the team after finding the back of the net at the weekend, while the back four should also be the same.

Luca Orellano is still unavailable for the visitors due to a broken hand, while Riquelme is also on the sidelines because of a cruciate ligament injury.

Both Marlon Gomes and Manuel Capasso have also been missing as of late for Vasco da Gama, but they are expected back soon which could put them in contention this week.

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:

Cabral; William, Oliveira, Castan, Xavier; Vital, Machado, Luccas; Rodrigues, Nikao, Elias

Vasco da Gama possible starting lineup:

Leonardo; Paulo, Maicon, Medel, Piton; Gabriel, Pec, Paulinho, Payet, Teixeira; Vegetti

We say: Cruzeiro 1-1 Vasco da Gama

Both teams will see this game as an ideal time to secure three points to try and push away from the relegation zone, but considering their league positions it will likely be a tense fixture.

Considering how little there is to split them in the table and throughout the campaign, it would not be a surprise to see a cautious draw played out.

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