Two sides at opposite ends of the Brasileiro Serie A table will square off this weekend, as league leaders Cruzeiro welcome struggling Juventude to the Mineirao.

The hosts are eyeing a third consecutive win as they look to tighten their grip on top spot, while Verdao aim to build on the momentum from their rare success last time out.

Match preview

The 2025 campaign has been one of resurgence for Cruzeiro, who are firmly in the driving seat as they chase a first top-flight crown since 2014.

Once a fallen powerhouse, the four-time Brasileiro champions did endure a spell in the second tier but are now enjoying their finest season since returning in 2023.

Having failed to crack the top eight in either of the past two terms, Raposa now sit at the summit with 30 points from 14 matches, holding a three-point cushion over Fluminense, who have a game in hand.

Leonardo Jardim’s men are unbeaten in nine league outings and made it back-to-back victories last weekend with a 2-0 triumph over Fluminense, sealing their ninth win of the season.

The Fox have now found the net 23 times while conceding just nine, and they boast an impressive seven clean sheets from their 14 top-flight matches in 2025.

Confidence will be high heading into this clash, especially given that Cruzeiro defeated Juventude twice in 2024 without conceding, reflecting their dominance in this fixture.

The Mineirao has become a fortress for Celeste, who have claimed six wins from seven home matches in the league (D1) – the best return of any team in the division.

The same cannot be said for Juventude, who sit rock bottom of the away standings, having lost all five of their top-flight matches on the road so far.

However, the side from Caxias do Sul can draw some encouragement from last weekend’s 2-0 victory over basement side Sport Recife, which brought an end to their eight-match winless run in the league.

That result marked Juve’s third win of the season and lifted them to 11 points from 12 games, though they remain 18th and two points from safety, albeit with two matches in hand on 16th-placed Sao Paulo.

Claudio Tencati’s men will need to be defensively disciplined to take anything away from Belo Horizonte, especially given they have scored just once on the road this season, but with two home games to follow, the manager may view this as a free hit in a relatively favourable stretch.

Cruzeiro Brasileiro form:

Cruzeiro form (all competitions):

Juventude Brasileiro form:

Juventude form (all competitions):

Team News

Cruzeiro will be without first-choice goalkeeper Cassio, who picked up his third yellow card of the season last time out, meaning Leo Aragao is expected to deputise between the sticks.

Joao Marcelo and Matheus Henrique remain sidelined with knee injuries and will also play no part.

Kaiki Bruno is available for selection again after serving a suspension, and he is expected to reclaim his place on the left side of defence.

Kaio Jorge leads the scoring charts after netting his 12th goal of the season last time out and should spearhead the attack once again, supported by Matheus Pereira, who laid on two assists in that victory.

As for the visitors, Ewerton remains out with a hamstring injury after missing the win over Recife, so Reginaldo should retain his spot at right back.

Rodrigo and Sam Cipriano will also miss the trip to Mineirao due to thigh and groin issues respectively, leaving Juventude light at the back.

Veteran striker Gilberto, who finally opened his account for the season with a brace last time out, will hope to carry that form into this daunting encounter as he leads the line again.

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:

Aragao; Prates, Bruno, Fagner, Villalba; Romero, Silva; Cardoso, Pereira, Wanderson; Jorge

Juventude possible starting lineup:

Gustavo; Reginaldo, Angel, Paulo, Hermes; Goncalves, Jadson, Mandaca; Gilberto, Batalla, B

We say: Cruzeiro 2-0 Juventude

Cruzeiro approach this contest as overwhelming favourites given their dominant home record, recent head-to-head advantage, and overall league performance, so anything short of a comfortable win would be seen as a major upset, especially against a Juventude side that continues to struggle in front of goal on their travels.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

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