Cruzeiro vs Corinthians Prediction: It's likely a very even contest

Only one point separates these two teams before they meet in this Round 20 match. Corinthians rose to new levels at the start of July when they beat Atlético-MG at the Mineirão, the venue for this match with Cruzeiro. It was a key game for the Timão, who have since been on an 11-game unbeaten run. The defeat came this week in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brazil against rivals São Paulo, a 2-0 final result that may leave its mark on the players. In the last two rounds, despite giving Botafogo and Palmeiras, 1st and 2nd in the table, a hard time, Cruzeiro failed to win. In the home match against the league leader, the Miners missed several chances to score in a game they dominated. Then, against Palmeiras in São Paulo, it looked like a repeat of the 0-0 result from the previous game, but the champions scored in the 96th minute from a free kick. The team must take some of the recent pressure off with a win.

The Fox hasn't won in five matches, despite controlling the ball for most of the game. Efficiency in finishing has been the team's weak point, with 19 goals scored in 19 rounds. Defensively Cruzeiro is very solid and has the second-best record in the league, with just 16 goals conceded. The team is in a quiet position at the table but is starting to feel the pressure of winning a game. In Round 1 of the Brasileirão, Cruzeiro lost 2-1 to Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena and will be looking to reply with a win.

The Timão is looking to get back on its feet after falling in the Copa do Brasil. The dream of the final is gone, but the team is still in the Copa Sudamericana, which is now even more important for the club. In the middle of the next week, Corinthians host Estudiantes in the quarter-finals, suggesting a few changes to the starting line-up against Cruzeiro. However, the Brasileirão can't be ignored, despite their 14th place. In order to return to international competitions, Corinthians must climb the table, so they also need to pick up at least one point at the Mineirão.

Considering the fatigue of Corinthians' players and the fact that they have an important game with Argentinian side Estudiantes a few days later, it makes me think that Corinthians will not be so strong in this game. Even so, I think the match will be divided, perhaps with the Miners having the upper hand. Cruzeiro is a good team and can win the game, although it hasn't won in the past five games. As the home team doesn't concede many goals, I'm going for a Double Chance with Cruzeiro's advantage with a total score of less than 2.5.