Cruzeiro v Santos Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
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Match Odds: Correct Score Prediction
In the race for top spot in the Brazilian Championship, Cruzeiro host 15th-placed Santos, who are currently hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. The home side are clear favourites, having lost just once in their last nine matches.
Santos’ hopes will rest heavily on Neymar, who netted twice in their last outing against Juventude and has now completed 90 minutes in five consecutive games. Alongside him, former Benfica player Benjamín Rollheiser will be another key figure in the team’s attacking plays.
Although Santos have technical quality in attack, they will likely struggle defensively against the second-best offense in the league. Leonardo Jardim’s Cruzeiro have scored 30 goals in 18 rounds of the national championship and will go on the offensive against a side that conceded 8 goals in the last 4 rounds.
Cruzeiro are expected to dominate possession and dictate the attacking phases of the match, while Santos are likely to adopt a more conservative approach, in a cautious strategy from coach Cléber Xavier. Given the hosts’ form, a comfortable victory seems probable.
Correct Score Prediction: 2-0
Fouls & Cards: Santos in trouble
Facing one of the league’s frontrunners away from home is no easy task – especially for a team under pressure and led by a manager whose job is under threat. This past week has been filled with speculation around a potential return of Jorge Sampaoli to the club, creating further unrest behind the scenes.
With an average of 14.7 fouls committed and 2.65 yellow cards received per match, Santos rank among the seven most ill-disciplined sides in the division. On Sunday, they’ll likely be chasing the ball for much of the match and may resort to frequent fouling to disrupt Cruzeiro’s rhythm.
Santos’ recent matches have been marked by a flurry of cards – 9 yellows and 1 red across their last three games. Cruzeiro, meanwhile, are on the receiving end of an average of 13 fouls per match and have only been fouled fewer than 10 times on two occasions this tournament.
One area of concern for Cruzeiro will be dealing with counter-attacks led by Neymar (who draws 4.6 fouls per 90 minutes) and Rollheiser (1.1). Defensive midfielder Lucas Romero (1.2 fouls committed per 90 min) could often find himself in one-on-one situations and may need to resort to fouls to contain the iconic number 10.
That said, the bulk of the bookings are expected to go to the away side. Key figures to watch in this regard include centre-back Luan Peres (4 yellows), midfielder Rollheiser (4), and veteran holding midfielder Tomás Rincón (3 yellows and 1 red).
Rollheiser to commit 1+ fouls @ 1.36
Lucas Romero to commit 2+ fouls @ 2.20
Luan Peres to receive yellow card @ 2.30
Goalscorers: Kaio Jorge to haunt his former club
The top scorer in the Brazilian league currently wears the Cruzeiro shirt – but was developed by Santos. Former Juventus striker Kaio Jorge has been in excellent form, directly involved in 8 goals (5 scored and 3 assisted) over his last 8 appearances, and has already netted 13 times this season.
Adding to his impressive run, Kaio Jorge will be particularly motivated this weekend as he faces his boyhood club, from which he departed under less than ideal circumstances. With clear tension still lingering between the two parties, he’ll be eager to make his mark against his former side in front of the Mineirão faithful.
Also standing out for Cruzeiro is Matheus Pereira, who has recorded 3 goals and 5 assists in the league. The former West Bromwich Albion man orchestrates most of Cruzeiro’s attacking play, either by getting shots off himself or by setting up Kaio Jorge in the final third. He’s one to keep a close eye on.
As for the visitors, it’s impossible to overlook Neymar – the team’s standout figure and their go-to player for set-pieces and penalties. Having played the full 90 minutes in each of the last five matches, he appears fit and ready to deliver another big performance, being central to any hopes Santos have of taking something from the match.
Matheus Pereira to score or assist @ 1.80
Kaio Jorge to score anytime @ 2.00
Neymar to score anytime @ 4.00
By: Pedro Santos / @apalpites
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Gledston Tavares / AFP