PalpiGol News · CRUZEIRO · PREVIEW
Cruzeiro vs Bahia, Round 34: analysis and prediction
Cruzeiro host Bahia this Thursday (Nov 5) at 9:30 pm Brasília time at the Mineirão, in Round 34 of the Brasileirão, Brazil's top-flight national league. It is a direct fight for a place in the 2027 Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League: Cruzeiro are third on 57 points and Bahia sixth on 53.
In 30 seconds: A Cruzeiro win would open a seven-point gap over Bahia with four rounds to go · A Bahia win would cut the gap to one point · Cruzeiro have won three in a row but are missing William, Villalba and Matheus Pereira · Bahia have a full squad and the league's fourth-best away record
Match: Cruzeiro vs Bahia · Thursday, Nov 5, 9:30 pm · Mineirão
Cruzeiro's form
By the numbers: 57 · points from 33 games, third place
By the numbers: 3 · straight wins: Grêmio, Remo and Atlético-MG
By the numbers: 12 · league goals for striker Kaio Jorge
Artur Jorge's side are in their best spell of the second half of the season. After beating Grêmio and Remo, they won the derby against Atlético-MG 1-0 and have kept two clean sheets in a row. The run has put Cruzeiro three points clear of fourth-placed Fluminense.
Cruzeiro's absences
• William, Lucas Villalba and Matheus Pereira: suspended after a third yellow card
• João Marcelo: right knee injury, out for the rest of the season
• Felipe Morais and Sinisterra: in the medical department
The absences reshape the defence. Fagner and Matías Viña are expected at full-back, and Fabrício Bruno and Jonathan Jesus are the only fit specialist centre-backs. Without playmaker Matheus Pereira, Gerson should play closer to the attack.
Probable Cruzeiro XI: Otávio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Viña; Lucas Romero, Zé Lucas and Gerson; Bruno Rodrigues (Matheus Henrique), Keny Arroyo and Kaio Jorge.
The opponents
By the numbers: 53 · Bahia's points, sixth place
By the numbers: 47.9% · of points won away from home, the league's fourth-best record
Rogério Ceni's Bahia drew away at Santos and then beat São Paulo last round. Away from home they have 6 wins, 5 draws and 5 defeats in 16 games. They have no absences, and centre-back Kanu returns from suspension.
Probable Bahia XI: Ronaldo; Marcos Victor, David Duarte, Kanu and Luciano Juba; Acevedo, Jean Lucas and Rodrigo Nestor; Erick Pulga, Kike Olivera and Alejo Véliz.
What is at stake
Cruzeiro currently sit in the places that go straight to the Libertadores group stage; Bahia are in the qualifying-round place. According to the Bahia press, the visitors are also trying to end a 13-year run without a win in Belo Horizonte.
In the first meeting, on May 9, Cruzeiro came from behind to win 2-1 in Salvador. Luciano Juba scored a penalty for Bahia, and Kauã Moraes and Kaique Kenji scored for Cruzeiro.
Highlight: With three straight wins and the Mineirão behind them, Cruzeiro can leave a direct rival behind with four rounds to go.
PalpiGol prediction: Cruzeiro 1 x 1 Bahia · Cruzeiro are in form and at home, but they lose three starters, including their main playmaker, and face one of the league's best away sides at full strength.
The match is streamed on Prime Video in Brazil. What is your prediction for Cruzeiro vs Bahia?
Sources: CBF (cbf.com.br); O Tempo; Central da Toca; Lance!; Gazeta Esportiva; Notícias da Bahia; Só Futebol.