2019 Brazilian Serie A – Santos vs Cruzeiro Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When does Santos vs Cruzeiro kick off? Sunday 24th November, 2019 – 00:00 (UK)

Where is Santos vs Cruzeiro being played? Estádio Urbano Caldeira (Santos, São Paulo)

What TV channel is Santos vs Cruzeiro on? Premiere FC Brasil (Brazil)

Where can I stream Santos vs Cruzeiro? Premiere Play

Where can I get tickets for Santos vs Cruzeiro? https://www.futebolcard.com/information?event=6677

THE TEAM NEWS

SANTOS

• Santos are coming off a 1-1 draw at home against Sao Paulo the last time out, and that result extended their undefeated Serie A run to six games (W4, D2). Jorge Sampaoli’s men might not have a realistic shot at winning the title, but they have a 12-point advantage over the fifth-placed team, Athletico-PR, so they could virtually clinch their place in the 2020 Copa Libertadores with a win here and if other results go their way. They currently sit in third place of the standings with 65 points (W19, D8, L6).
• Christian Cueva is separated from the team and not expected to return to the club this season. Derlis Gonzalez and Yeferson Soteldo were on international duty earlier this week, but both should be available here.

Expected starting XI: Everson; Pará, Lucas Veríssimo, Gustavo Henrique, Jorge; Alison, Carlos Sánchez, Evandro; Marinho, Eduardo Sasha, Yeferson Soteldo.

CRUZEIRO

• Cruzeiro are coming off a 0-0 home draw against Avai and while they are on an impressive 11-game undefeated streak in the Serie A, they have won just three games over that span (W3, D8). That run has lifted them above the relegation zone since they sit in 16th place of the standings with 36 points – just one point above the red zone.
• Cruzeiro will be without Dede and Rodriguinho ahead of this match since both players are injured. Pedro Rocha will also be out due to a suspension. The rest of the team should be available, although manager Abel Braga has a few doubts in his attacking line. Most notably, he is uncertain on starting Sassá or Fred alongside David upfront.

Expected starting XI: Fábio; Luis Manuel Orejuela, Cacá, Fabrício Bruno, Dodô; Henrique, Éderson, Marquinhos Gabriel, Thiago Neves; David, Sassá (Fred)

THE PREDICTION

Ten of Cruzeiro’s last 11 league matches have produced under 2.5 goals scored, and the same thing has happened in three of Santos’ last six, so we might be in line for a low-scoring affair here. Santos, however, are the better team and they should be extra motivated to get the win here since three more points could seal their 2020 Copa Libertadores ticket. Cruzeiro will keep things tight, but the hosts should get the win here based on their impressive home record this season (W11, D4, L1).