Cruzeiro vs Atletico Mineiro Betting Tips

This is an interesting fixture for various reasons besides the fact that it is a bitterly contested local derby. The visitors come into the game as favourites and could go top of the table with  a win however it is Cruzeiro who are the defending champions having won the league in each of the last two seasons. After a few key departures, they’ve struggled this season though and come into the game only 1 point above the relegation zone.

Despite Cruzeiro’s title triumph last year, it was actually Atletico that won both derby clashes. Yet this season with Atletico the dominant force from this city in the league, Cruzeiro won 3-2 when the sides met earlier on in the season.

Therefore the view that the form book goes out the window in derby games couldn’t be more true when it comes to recent games between Belo Horizonte’s big two. What is more interesting from a betting perspective is that there are often quite a few goals in these games. Both teams have scored in each of the last three meetings and there have been a total of 12 goals.

Atletico MIneiro are also the division’s top scorers while Cruzeiro netted 5 in their last home game and have shown some positive signs in recent weeks that they may be getting back towards their best. Therefore there is plenty of reason to think that both teams will score in this game and you can back that to be the case at 5/6.

Home advantage to some extent is less important in these fixtures given they are both very well used to playing at the Mineirão but the stadium will be packed with Cruzeiro fans who have had very little to cheer in 2015 and will be hungry for a derby win as they have absolutely no hope of retaining their title.

Whether they are good enough to get it against an impressive Atletico Mineiro outfit is a bit more doubtful but they’ve shown enough in recent weeks to suggest they can get something from the game and backing a 1-1 draw at 11/2 is appealing if you’re looking for a correct score bet.