Cruzeiro vs Juventude Prediction: Cruzeiro has won every home game

After three consecutive wins, Cruzeiro lost 2-0 away to Palmeiras in a match only decided in the last minute with a goal from Gabriel Menino. The Miners are in seventh place thanks to a perfect home record, where they have won all seven games. On the road, the team has been struggling, and if they don't improve, it won't be easy to finish in the top six, which grants access to the Copa Libertadores.

The first half of the match with Palmeiras was evenly balanced, but Flaco López, in an individual move, scored in the 36th minute. A few minutes later, Lucas Silva equalized for Cruzeiro, but the VAR detected a foul by the same player at the start of the move. The decision was controversial and affected the Miners, who lost some confidence. The Fox had more possession in the second half but failed to create goal-scoring opportunities. Cruzeiro hosts Juventude in its next game and will look to win for the eighth time at home.

The Gaúchos drew 0-0 at home to São Paulo in Brasilia. It was their second successive meeting in the nation's capital as hosts. Juventude managed to maintain an unbeaten home record despite playing two games away from its stadium, the Alfredo Jaconi. It was Jair Ventura's first game as coach of the Ju, and a draw with a good team like São Paulo has to be considered positive. The Caxias do Sul side never lost its organization, suggesting that Ventura doesn't intend to change too much of the style of play implemented by his predecessor, Roger Machado. Juventude has never won on the road and will now face a team that has won every game at home. It's unlikely that the Gaúchos will beat Cruzeiro in Mineirão, but anything is possible in this competitive league.

The Miners are the clear favorites as they have a perfect home record, and Juventude has yet to win on the road. The Ju drew its last two games, which were played on a neutral field, so I'm leaning toward a surprise. I'm betting on a draw because the Gaúchos' organization could cause Cruzeiro problems, and the odds of a home win are low.