Palmeiras vs Cruzeiro Prediction: Palmeiras is the favorite but has to be careful

The reigning Champion of Brazil hosts Cruzeiro in one of the best games of Round 19. After an excellent start to the season, Palmeiras began to lose regularity and solidity and let Botafogo escape, who comfortably occupies the leadership of the Brasileirão. At this point in the season, the Paulistas seem more focused on winning the Copa Libertadores and less on the league. This week, Palmeiras qualified for the quarter-finals of South America's most important competition for the sixth time in a row. A few days earlier, in Round 18 of the championship, coach Abel Ferreira spared nine starters in the defeat against Fluminense, showing what the Verdão's priority is. Having achieved their Copa Libertadores goal, Palmeiras must return to winning ways because its greatness demand it, even if the title is a mirage. Cruzeiro is a difficult team to beat, even being one of the best to play away from home, where they suffered only one defeat.

Palmeiras

A 0-0 draw at home to Atlético-MG was enough for Palmeiras to continue their Copa Libertadores campaign. The Verdão controlled the game, but it was a hard-fought result. In the quarter-finals, the Paulistas will face Deportivo Pereira of Colombia. For this meeting with Cruzeiro, Palmeiras must present its best team to beat this uncomfortable opponent. The Miners defend well, which will require a lot of patience from the home team to build attacking plays.

Expected opening lineup for Palmeiras

Weverton; Mayke, Gómez, Murilo, Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino, Raphael Veiga; Artur, Rony, Dudu.

Cruzeiro

The Fox was able to stop the leader Botafogo in the last round of the Brasileirão. Cruzeiro never let the Glorioso have the ball pressing a lot in the midfield, making once again a tactically perfect game. Botafogo goalkeeper Lucas Perri was the best player at the Mineirão. Cruzeiro has the second-best defense in the league, only behind precisely its last opponent. Pepa's team will also be looking to set up their midfield web at the Allianz Parque.

Expected opening lineup for Cruzeiro

Rafael Cabral; William, Neris, Luciano Castán, Marlon; Jussa, Machado, Lucas Silva, Mateus Vital; Wesley, Arthur Gomes.

Expert Betting Tips

I will bet on a goal total below 2.5 in this match. Palmeiras is the favorite, and this bet allows a victory for the home team up to 2-0. I picked this bet because Cruzeiro does not concede many goals. It is good to keep in mind that there might be some fatigue of Palmeiras players due to the midweek game.