Cruzeiro v Fortaleza CE

Cruzeiro vs Fortaleza Preview

Cruzeiro made it back-to-back wins in the Brazilian top flight last weekend when they registered a comprehensive 3-0 win away from home at Botafogo which in turn has helped lift the hosts up into fifth place in the Serie A table, while Fortaleza also picked up all three points courtesy of a 1-0 home win against Sao Paulo to maintain their current position of fourth spot.

Cruzeiro had previously recorded a 2-0 home win against Juventude and having now won five out of their last six games overall in Serie A, Fernando Seabra's side look to be in a strong position to pick up another three important points this weekend as the hosts look to break into the top four pack in the division and contention for a possible place in next season's Copa Libertadores.

Despite the last 10 games overall in the Brazilian top flight producing four defeats for Cruzeiro within this period, it should be noted that all four losses were incurred on their travels with defeats handed to them at the likes of Bahia, Flamengo, Criciuma and Palmeiras respectively.

On the other hand, Cruzeiro have won all eight of their home games on the trot so far this season, scoring two goals or more in all eight games along with keeping a total of four clean sheets as well.

Fortaleza therefore have a tough assignment on their hands as they prepare to make the trip to the Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto to take on fellow high-flying rivals, Cruzeiro, but the visitors will also be in confident mood as they bring a solid looking six-match unbeaten sequence into this weekend's top five clash which includes picking up five wins.

Victories gained over Fluminense, Flamengo, Vitoria, Atletico GO and Sao Paulo will give Juan Vojvoda's side plenty of confidence for this upcoming battle although it should be noted that four of Fortaleza's recent five wins have actually been achieved on home soil at their Estádio Governador Plácido Aderaldo Castelo.

The bigger picture also shows Fortaleza have been dealt just three defeats within their previous 24 games overall in Serie A, but switch to results away from home in the domestic top flight and a very different picture emerges.

Indeed, Fortaleza have managed to capture just one win in their last seven outings which includes three defeats, while the bigger picture on the road shows just four wins picked up in their last 15 away games, slipping to seven defeats.

Cruzeiro v Fortaleza Verdict

Considering Cruzeiro's sparkling form at home this season together with Fortaleza's poor run of results away from home, the hosts look the more likely to grab the all-important three points here in their quest to break into the top four in the division.

Therefore, our main bet will be Cruzeiro win @ 2.00

Other side bets worth considering:

Cruzeiro win & Under 2.5 goals @ 3.75

Correct Score: Cruzeiro 2-0 @ 8.50