Prediction: Cruzeiro vs Bragantino

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Cruzeiro, one of two clubs in the Brasileiro with a perfect home record, aim to maintain their streak against Bragantino at Governador Magalhaes Pinto on Saturday.

The hosts enter the gameweek 17 match on a two-game winning streak, while the visitors have struggled with consistency all season, as evidenced by their recent form before heading to Belo Horizonte.

Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro would be in the title conversation if they could replicate their home form in away matches. Although the Foxes are only five points behind league leaders Flamengo, their inconsistency outside Belo Horizonte means they are chasing the leaders rather than setting the pace. In nine away games, they have secured just two wins, scoring six goals and conceding 13.

In contrast, their flawless home record of six wins from six under Fernando Seabra is impressive, and they aim to make it seven from seven. A key factor in their home success is their strong defence, conceding just four goals at home, a statistic matched by undefeated Fortaleza and one higher than Juventude and Bahia, the latter also boasting a 100% home record.

Team News

Lucas Silva was suspended for Cruzeiro’s victory over Gremio, but the midfielder is expected to rejoin the squad this weekend.

Injuries will sideline Marlon (shoulder), Rafael Silva (thigh), and Juan Dinenno (groin).

Matheus Pereira, who recently made his move from Al Hilal permanent, has scored three goals and provided two assists since mid-June. The former West Bromwich Albion player will be confident facing a team that struggles on the road.

Bragantino

Bragantino face a tough challenge in trying to prevent Cruzeiro, who have scored 13 home goals in six games, from adding to that tally on Saturday.

Supporters hoped that the victory over Gremio in early June would signal a turnaround in Bragantino’s away form. However, the lack of clean sheets since that 2-0 win has resulted in just one point from a possible 12 in their away matches.

Conversely, RB Bragantino have won their last three home games, highlighting their issues on the road.

Having lost 50% of their eight away matches, the visiting fans can only hope to avoid another disappointing result against a perfect home team.

Team News

Bragantino’s Matheus Fernandes (thigh) remains doubtful for this weekend’s match, while Nathan Camargo is not expected to play at all.

Andres Hurtado, who played for Ecuador in the Copa America until their elimination by Argentina a week ago, has yet to return to action for the club.

With their match against Internacional postponed, the visitors hope the additional rest will prove advantageous.

Bragantino’s star wide attacker, Helinho, who has scored five of their 20 goals and provided two assists, aims to boost his tally after serving a one-game suspension.

Conclusion

Only a home victory is expected for Cruzeiro, whose perfect record contrasts sharply with Bragantino’s dismal one-point-from-12 run in away matches.

Although the visitors rarely suffer heavy defeats on the road – and this trend is likely to continue – they are not expected to secure a positive result in Belo Horizonte.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: 888sport