Cruzeiro vs Sao Paulo Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Sunday’s Brazilian Serie A action features a standout clash between Cruzeiro and Sao Paulo. It’s expected to be an exciting game with plenty of chances at both ends as each side looks to move closer to leaders Flamengo by picking up the three points.

Cruzeiro had returned from the World Cup break in excellent shape, recording home victories over both America Mineiro and Atletico PR but a poor 2-0 defeat away at Corinthians in mid-week has left a sour taste in Raposa mouths and the side will be gunning for redemption here.

Currently standing 6th with 24 points from 15 matches, the host’s start to the season has been solid, if unspectacular but they now need to really kick on if they want to challenge for the title as expected, already 7 points behind Flamengo. 5 home wins from the last 6 games certainly leaves confidence high irrespective of the aforementioned performance at Corinthians, but with Sao Paulo in town, securing yet another triumph will not be an easy task.

Indeed, the visitors are enjoying a fine campaign and are set to put together a title challenge few could have envisaged coming at the start of the season. Tricolor have suffered in recent seasons and haven’t been much of a force but boss Diego Aguirre has done an excellent job since taking command and leads a group of players in good spirits.

Sao Paulo did lose 2-1 at Gremio in mid-week but were highly competitive in what is always a difficult venue and having won 4 matches in a row prior to that defeat, it’s difficult to imagine confidence having been dented too greatly. Standing 2nd, and just 2 points off the pace of Flamengo, Sao Paulo find themselves in a very strong position and that’s something they’ll be hoping to maintain with a strong showing in Sunday’s match.

This looks like one of the weekend’s best games and viewers should be in for an entertaining 90 minutes as two of the division’s stronger outfits go blow for blow. Sao Paulo have undoubtedly been the better of the two in the action we’ve seen so far this season, but Cruzeiro are a real force on their own patch and have to be respected for that.

Calling a result looks a tough ask but backing both nets to be hit looks an excellent way to play at more than reasonable odds. Both teams have scored in 4 of Cruzeiro’s last 5 matches as well as in their last 4 home outings and with each side having scored in Sao Paulo’s last couple of matches, there looks to be little reason to believe either side will keep a clean sheet.

As for the result itself, the two parties appear far too difficult to separate. Cruzeiro have been priced as big favourites by the bookmakers but the visitors have lost just 2 of their last 18 games and should be able to take something home, with a 1-1 draw on the cards.