Cruzeiro vs São Paulo Prediction: Big game at the Mineirão

Cruzeiro vs São Paulo: Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on August 31, 2025

Cruzeiro and São Paulo will meet in one of the most anticipated matches of Round 22. The home team is in third place, while São Paulo is in seventh and has not lost in eight rounds.

Cruzeiro: Form and statistics

The Fox secured two victories in a few days and regained the confidence it had been losing. Last weekend, Cruzeiro beat Internacional 2-1 at home, making peace with the fans after two consecutive defeats at the Mineirão. Matheus Pereira opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a wonderful curling shot from the edge of the Internacional area. However, the Gaúchos' response was quick, and Tabata equalized five minutes later. Cruzeiro's winning goal was scored in the 58th minute by Kaio Jorge. The top scorer in the Série A escaped the opposing defenders and, one-on-one with Rochet, chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. In midweek, Cruzeiro achieved a sensational away win against rival Atlético Mineiro in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals. After a goalless first half, Cruzeiro broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a goal from outside the area by Fabrício Bruno. Motivated by his call-up to the Brazil national team, the center back advanced up the field and, 25 meters from the goal, unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner. Not long after, in the 64th minute, Kaio Jorge made it 2-0 following a corner kick, silencing the Arena MRV. The victory over the city rival is very motivating for the Cruzeiro players.

Cruzeiro: Lineup

Leonardo Jardim should field the same team that defeated Atlético Mineiro.

🔖Cruzeiro starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Cássio – William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba, Kaiki – Lucas Silva, Romero – Christian, Matheus Pereira, Wanderson – Kaio Jorge

⛔️Out: Fagner, João Marcelo (injured)

👤Head Coach: Leonardo Jardim

São Paulo: Form and statistics

São Paulo confirmed its good form with a 2-0 home win over Atlético Mineiro. The visitors fielded an unusual lineup due to injuries and suspensions and had no chance against the Paulistas. Pablo Maia and Gonzalo Tapia scored the goals in the 23rd and 81st minutes, respectively. São Paulo completely controlled the game and did not allow the Miners to get a single shot on goal. Hernán Crespo's team is in seventh place with 32 points, level on points with sixth-placed Mirassol. The goal of qualifying for next season's Copa Libertadores remains intact after a poor start to the league. São Paulo has already been eliminated from the Copa do Brasil, but it can still achieve something special in the Copa Libertadores, where it will face LDU Quito in the quarter-finals.

São Paulo: Lineup

Forward André Silva suffered a serious knee injury and is unlikely to play again this season. Enzo Díaz is suspended.

🔖São Paulo starting lineup (3-5-2)

Rafael – Ferraresi, Alan Franco, Sabino – Cédric, Bobadilla, Alisson, Pablo Maia, Wendell – Luciano, Ferreira

⛔️Out: André Silva, Marcos Antônio, Lucas Moura, Arboleda, Ryan Francisco, Oscar, Calleri, Luiz Gustavo (injured), Enzo Díaz (suspended) 

👤Head Coach: Hernán Crespo

Cruzeiro vs São Paulo: Head-to-head statistics

São Paulo holds a clear advantage in its 91 meetings with Cruzeiro. The Paulistas have won 44 games while the Mineiros have won 23. The remaining 24 matches ended in a draw.

Cruzeiro vs São Paulo: Betting tips & Odds

• Cruzeiro has scored first in seven of its last eight games. You can bet that Cruzeiro will be the first team to score for 1.62 at Bet365;
• The TU 2.5 bet has won 10 times in the last 10 matches between Cruzeiro and são Paulo. You can bet on a game with less than three goals (TU 2.5) for 1.54 at 1xBet;
• São Paulo hasn't lost in its previous four meetings with Cruzeiro. You can bet that São Paulo won't lose (X2) for 2.00 on Betway.

Cruzeiro vs São Paulo match prediction 31 August 2025

Both teams are motivated and playing well, so an exciting game is expected. The Paulistas usually perform well against Cruzeiro, but Hernan Crespo's team will be somewhat limited by injuries. The Cruzeiro players received a confidence boost after the victory against rival Atlético Mineiro and have a good opportunity to defeat São Paulo. I'm going to bet on a Cruzeiro win.

Our match prediction: Cruzeiro to win for 1.83 at 1xBet.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: BTTS - Yes for 2.25 at Betway.

Our final betting tip on the match: Correct Score 2-1 for 9.5 at Bet365.