Cruzeiro vs Palmeiras Predictions

• Never relegated before; Cruzeiro need to win this game and hope Ceara lose at Botafogo to survive.
• Without a win in 8 and having lost their last 4, it’s hard to see Cruzeiro even doing their part of the bargain.
• Palmeiras arrive off the back of a 5-1 win over Goias and though they have nothing to play for, they’ll be looking to end a disappointing season on a high.

Serie B awaits

Cruzeiro had came into the campaign harbouring hopes of challenging for the Serie A title but it’s been a nightmare year for the side on and off the field. With just 36 points to their name after 37 matches, Raposa have been dreadful all year and are now set to suffer their first ever relegation.

A 2-0 defeat at Gremio in midweek all but wrapped up their fate and they now need a minor miracle to avoid the Serie B trapdoor. Needing a win and nothing less from Sunday’s game, the fact Cruzeiro haven’t won any of their last 8 games, scoring just twice in the process, doesn’t make for good reading and they appear a doomed outfit

Palmeiras looking to end 2019 on a high

Dethroned of their domestic title and knocked out of the Libertadores at the quarter final stage, it’s not been a good season for Palmeiras overall and the fans are annoyed that the side haven’t won any trophies in 2019. Nonetheless, with a chance of finishing 2nd if they win this trip to Belo Horizonte, Verdao are clearly still one of Brazil’s most powerful outfits and will be thankful they’re not in the position that the hosts are.

Palmeiras have nothing of note left to play for but won their first match under caretaker boss Andrey Lopes via a 5-1 margin in midweek against Goias, so are clearly still a motivated outfit. Gabriel Veron, a youngster with an ever-growing reputation came off the bench to notch twice in said win and could start this Sunday, as Palmeiras look to set a foundation for their return in 2020.

Palmeiras to put the final nail in Cruzeiro’s coffin

Ultimately, Cruzeiro’s case is proof that name alone counts for nothing in football and they are where they are because of how poor they’ve been over the 37 matches. They can’t score goals, concede too many and it doesn’t take a genius to ascertain that’s not a recipe for success.

All things considered, we like the look of backing Palmeiras on the Draw No Bet line and feel it provides good value at current prices. There’s a reason 35 points separate the two in the table and with Palmeiras having beaten Cruzeiro by a 1-0 margin earlier on in the year, that’s a scoreline we fancy them to triumph via again. Cruzeiro look totally unable to deal with the pressure of the situation they’re in and that’s unlikely to change in this match.