Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s Brasileiro clash between Criciuma and Cruzeiro, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Criciuma host Cruzeiro at the Estadio Heriberto Hulse on Thursday for round 14 of the Brasileiro Serie A.
The hosts come into this clash after a two-game winless run, while their visitors suffered their fourth defeat of the season last time out.
Match preview
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Criciuma looked set for a second straight defeat after Bruno Henrique put Internacional ahead in the first half at the Estadio Heriberto Hulse on Sunday – however, Claudinho ensured a share of the spoils with a second-half equaliser.
The Tigers’ aim is to retain their top-flight status after ending a ten-year absence from Serie A, but they currently sit in 13th place with 13 points from 11 games, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Claudio Tencati‘s men have a game or two in hand compared to most sides around them, which is an advantage they will hope to exploit as the season progresses.
However, a cause for concern is the number of points Criciuma have dropped at home, despite their ongoing three-match unbeaten run as hosts in Serie A.
Facing a side they have never beaten makes the matchup tougher for the Tigers, but they will be hoping to capitalise on the visitors’ poor form on the road.
Cruzeiro have lacked consistency this campaign and this was again evident after failing to follow up their win over Atletico Paranaense with another positive result, losing 2-1 to league leaders Flamengo.
Pedro‘s 17th-minute goal put Fernando Seabra‘s men behind, but Matheus Pereira levelled the game before half-time – however, the Foxes could not respond to Fabricio Bruno‘s second-half goal for Fla.
With 20 points from 12 matches, La Bestia Negra dropped to seventh in the standings, three points adrift of the final guaranteed Copa Libertadores spot.
Having lost four of their seven away matches, including the last two, Thursday’s visitors will need to improve their performances on the road if they want to challenge for a Copa Libertadores place come the end of the season.
Criciuma Brasileiro form:
Cruzeiro Brasileiro form:
Team News
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Criciuma will remain without 31-year-old Wilker Angel, who is currently on duty with the Venezuela national team at the ongoing Copa America.
Brazilian striker Felipe Vizeu, who has missed the last couple of games with a thigh injury, will remain on the sideline.
Right-back Jonathan Lemos is a doubt for this clash as he looks to recover in time from a hamstring issue.
Cruzeiro will have to make do without Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes, as he is away on international duty with his nation.
Argentine Juan Dinenno has been sidelined with a groin injury since March and is still out, while Rafa Silva is still recovering from a thigh injury.
Criciuma possible starting lineup:
Gustavo; Claudinho, Rodrigo, Figueiredo, Hermes, Trauco; Barreto, Newton, Matheusinho; Allano, Arthur
Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:
Anderson; William, Neris, Marcelo, Kaiki; Romero, Silva, Ramiro, Pereira; Arthur, Veron
We say: Criciuma 1-1 Cruzeiro
This is a clash between a home team that has struggled at home and an away team that has been underwhelming on the road.
The last three encounters between them have been tight, and we anticipate another close contest, with the score level at the final whistle.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.