Criciúma vs Cuiabá Prediction: Will Cuiabá finally score a goal?

It's only Criciúma's fifth game in this year's league, with eight rounds already played. The Catarinenses saw three games postponed, one against Cuiabá in Round 6. Surprisingly, Criciúma is out of the relegation zone even with only four matches played. Cuiabá has played six and occupies last place with just one point. The Mato-Grossenses have yet to score a single goal.

The Tiger is in 16th place with five points after one victory and two draws in the four games played. The only defeat came in the last round at home against Palmeiras, by 2-1. The Catarinenses almost kept their unbeaten run, conceding the Brazilian champions' second goal in the 92nd minute. Although the Série A is still in its early rounds, it would be important for Criciúma to beat Cuiabá to continue working with peace of mind. The visitors are going through a bad period, and the Tiger must take advantage of it.

Unlike its opponent, the Golden Dorado is under a lot of pressure. Petit's side is still without a win and hasn't scored a goal in six games. Cuiabá failed again in its last match with Vitória, drawing 0-0 at home. The club's situation is complicated, and only with victories will it be possible to overcome the difficulties. The Mato Grosso do Sul side will be looking to do in Criciúma what it has failed to do so far: score and win.

Considering the teams' performances so far, Criciúma is the favorite, not just because of playing at home but also because of its consistently solid performances. The Tiger has only played four games, it's true, but the only defeat was against the mighty Palmeiras, one of the best South American sides. Securing three points in this match could be very important for the Santa Catarina team to stay out of the relegation zone. Cuiabá is in the last place of the table with no wins and no goals scored. The Golden Dorado will surely score and win sooner or later, but until that happens, it's hard to bet on Cuiabá. I'm therefore going to bet on Criciúma winning.