Cruzeiro vs Fluminense Prediction: Fluminense can't lose

The sky is falling on Fernando Diniz's head. Criticized by Fluminense fans, Diniz, who coached both the Rio club and the Brazil national side until January of this year, is failing to turn around the delicate situation of his team, which is in second-to-last place in the Brasileirão. If the Cariocas lose to Cruzeiro at the Mineirão, the pressure on the manager could become unsustainable.

The Fox drew away 0-0 with Vasco da Gama in a game without many scoring opportunities. Neither team wanted to take risks, and the result ultimately benefited Cruzeiro, who picked up a point on the road. The Miners are in eighth place with 14 points and one game in hand. The Belo Horizonte side is having a positive start to the season but needs more quality, particularly in attack. Cruzeiro can take advantage of Fluminense's instability to win.

The Tricolor lost unbelievably at home to Atlético Goianiense after leading 1-0 at half-time. Ganso scored the first goal of the game without Fluminense deserving the lead. In the second half, the Goianos went in search of an equalizer, and when they scored in the 71st minute, Fernando Dniz's team fell apart. Under jeers from the fans, the Cariocas were incapable of reacting and ended up conceding the losing goal in the 95th minute. Felipe Melo pushed a member of the Atlético Goianiense staff who was celebrating the winning goal and could face a ban for at least four games. The team captain was the image of the total lack of control at the club. Fluminense is in the relegation zone and must win as soon as possible. Diniz will have to make many changes to the starting eleven against Cruzeiro due to injuries and suspensions.

Fluminense has struggled in practically every match in the Brasileirão. In the Copa Libertadores, the team qualified for the knockout stage without much trouble, showing great desire and concentration. Perhaps the players are discouraged by the distance from the top of the Série A, but something has to change. Cruzeiro has been solid and is the favorite to win the game, but I'm betting on a draw. Fluminense's critical need for points and the Cariocas' favorable record in recent meetings with the Miners leads me to take a chance on the draw. Against Cruzeiro, the Tricolor has won its last four matches and hasn't lost in eight.