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

The hosts currently lie in the relegation zone but could move level on points with safety if they were to win, whilst Cruzeiro are aiming to consolidate their place in the Copa Sudamericana spots.

Match preview

Vasco were unable to make it back-to-back wins in all competitions after losing against league leaders Botafogo at Estadio Nilton Santos last time out.

The visitors managed to keep it goalless at half time, however second-half strikes from Luis Henrique and Carlos Alberto mean Botafogo have still only dropped six points this season.

The same cannot be said for Vasco unfortunately, with William Batista's men sitting third bottom of the Brasileiro standings having collected only nine points from their opening 13 matches.

The Cruzmaltino have struggled to find their shooting boots this term, with the side only managing 11 goals in 13 outings so far - no club in the division has scored fewer.

Cruzeiro extended their unbeaten run in the league to two matches after a respectable goalless draw with eighth-placed Internacional at Estádio José Pinheiro Borda last time out.

The visitors' final game of June ended in a narrow success over seventh-placed Sao Paulo following a fourth-minute Raphinha own goal, showing that Cruzeiro have the ability to mix it with the best in Brazil's top flight.

Pepa's charges currently sit 12th in the Brasileiro standings, lying inside the Copa Sudamericana places by three points ahead of 13th-placed Cuiaba.

Bruno Rodrigues has been Cruzeiro's most productive attacking player so far this term with five goal contributions in 13 matches - the 26-year-old has been primarily operating off the left wing this term.

Vasco da Gama Brasileiro form:

L

L

L

L

W

L

Cruzeiro Brasileiro form:

D

L

D

L

W

D

Cruzeiro form (all competitions):

L

L

D

L

W

D

Team News

Vasco will be without the services of Riquelme on Saturday afternoon due to a cruciate ligament injury, with the youngster set to be sideline until later this month.

The hosts have a longer-term absentee in their ranks in the form of Patrick - the centre-back is targeting a return in October following a cruciate ligament issue picked up in February.

Cruzeiro will be without a central defender of their own in this clash with Oliveira serving a one-match suspension for earning a red card in the goalless draw against Internacional on July 2.

Former Juventus man Wesley is currently out of action due to a knee injury, although the Brazilian is aiming to return to the first-team fold later on this month.

Vasco da Gama possible starting lineup:

Leo; Rodriquez, Capasso, Leo, Piton; Gabriel, Gomes, Teixeira, Orellano; Figueiredo, Raul

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:

Rafael; William, Neris, Silva, Marlon; Jussa, Machado, Vital; Wesley, Stenio; Rodrigues

We say: Vasco da Gama 0-1 Cruzeiro

Vasco da Gama unsurprisingly came out as second best against league leaders Botafogo last time out, however a home match on Saturday should be a good opportunity for Batista's men to get back into winning ways.

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