Coritiba vs Santa Cruz Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Santa Cruz are all but mathematically down with 12 points separating them from safety and only 12 to play for. Anything other than a win here will see them relegated to Serie B but it’s almost impossible to make a case for them getting a result let alone winning the game. They ended a run of just 1 league win in 18 attempts last time out but that came up against the only side who are as bad as them in the shape of America Mineiro, who they are battling with to avoid the wooden spoon.

There have been many issues for Santa Cruz this term but their inability to keep things tight at the back has been the main one. They’ve conceded 59 goals at an average 1.74 per game, which is the worst in the division. Taking into account only their away games, they’ve let in 2.12 goals per game on average so it’s no surprise that most of their away matches have ended in defeat.

Coritiba may not be the best side in the division and could do with a few more points to absolutely guarantee their safety but they are quite strong at home and should have little trouble disposing of the Recife club. They’ve only suffered two home defeats all season in the league and were very impressive 2-0 winners at home to high-flying Atletico Mineiro in their most recent game prior to the international break. Prior to that, their situation was beginning to look a little bit perilous as they weren’t in great form and were slipping towards the bottom four but that would have been a massive boost to morale.

They’ve scored a healthy 1.65 goals per game at home this term and with the division’s worst defence in town, they should be well capable of improving on that here. Therefore, backing Coritiba Over 1.5 Team Goals at 8/11 looks to offer good value here.