Cruzeiro and Fortaleza will lock horns at the Estadio Estadual Kleber Jose de Andrade on Tuesday in a clash between two teams eager to preserve their unbeaten streaks in the Brasileiro Serie A.
The hosts have emerged victorious in their last two matches, while the visitors are riding a six-game unbeaten streak heading into this encounter.
Match preview
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Cruzeiro produced an impressive 3-0 triumph over league heavyweights Botafogo, extending their unbeaten run against their rivals to 13 matches.
Fernando Seabra's side currently occupy fifth place in the Serie A table with 35 points from 19 games, just one point and one position behind their upcoming opponents who hold the final Copa Libertadores spot.
Aiming to match their best winning run of the season, Cruzeiro will be cautious, having lost the last time these teams met at this venue.
Boasting the second-best home record in the division, surpassed only by Fortaleza who have played three more home games, the Raposa will strive to maintain their perfect home record.
Cruzeiro hold the advantage in this fixture, winning five and losing three of their 11 meetings, and they will be hoping to stamp their dominance when both teams meet on Tuesday.
Fortaleza have enjoyed a successful campaign so far, accumulating 36 points from 19 matches, just four points adrift of league leaders Flamengo.
The Ceara outfit have claimed ten victories, suffered three defeats, and drawn six times, placing them fourth in the standings level on points with third-placed Palmeiras.
Juan Pablo Vojvoda's side enter this match buoyed by a 1-0 win over Sao Paulo at the Estadio Castelao last Saturday, their fifth victory in the last six games – their only blemish during this period was a 1-1 draw with Criciuma on July 24.
Fortaleza's last defeat came against Vasco da Gama at the Estadio Sao Januario on July 2, and they will be determined to avoid another loss against a side they have failed to beat in their last two encounters.
However, the Leao do Pici have struggled on the road this season, collecting just nine points from a possible 24, with three defeats and three draws from eight matches.
Team News
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Cruzeiro will remain without 32-year-old forward Rafa Silva, who has been out of action since picking up a thigh injury versus Vasco da Gama on June 16.
Gabriel Veron is also sidelined after coming off injured versus Palmeiras on July 21, while Fabrizio Peralta has fitness issues that will make him unavailable for selection.
Fortaleza will line up without 24-year-old midfielder Calebe, who is out with a muscle injury that he picked up against Atletico Mineiro on June 23.
Argentine midfielder Emmanuel Martinez has also been sidelined since June through a sprained knee, while Imanol Machuca has a thigh issue.
Tinga and Tomas Pochettino are doubtful, while Hercules is suspended after picking a red card last time out.
Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:
Cassio; William, Villalba, Marcelo, Marlon; Romero, Henrique; Barreal, Pereira, Diaz; Jorge
Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Britez, Kuscevic, Cardona, Pacheco; Augusto, Sasha; Pikachu, Rossetto, Lopes; Lucero
We say: Cruzeiro 1-0 Fortaleza
Both teams are in good form going into this match, and we expect a closely-fought contest – however, the home side have been unbeatable on their own turf, which is why we are backing them to win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
