Cruzeiro vs Palmeiras Prediction: This is Palmeiras' celebration game

Only a scandal can prevent Palmeiras from revalidating its title as champion of Brazil. With a three-point lead and a superior goal difference to its opponents, it doesn't seem possible that Palmeiras will fail to celebrate its 12th championship title in the final round. Atlético Mineiro and Flamengo have three points less but a goal difference of 23 and 15, respectively, while Palmeiras' goal difference is 31, so as well as losing to Cruzeiro, Atlético would have to win and overturn an eight-goal deficit. Flamengo's goal difference prevents any kind of realistic chance for the Cariocas.

The Fox managed to avoid relegation in the last round, drawing 0-0 with Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro. Since Paulo Autuori took charge of the team, Cruzeiro hasn't lost another game. There have been five matches in which the team has shown great desire on the pitch to win or at least draw. The Mineiros still have a chance of qualifying for the Copa Sudamericana, but it's very small. The team would have to beat Palmeiras, hope for a Cuiabá defeat, and, at most, a draw in the Corinthians game.

At the start of the season, I often spoke of the Palmeiras team as the best in Brazil. Then Botafogo had a great first half of the Brasileirão, and the praise obviously went to the Cariocas, who had a big lead. However, in the decisive games, Palmeiras' talent, desire, and strength came to the fore. In the game that changed the Brasileirão, after trailing 3-0 at half-time to leader Botafogo, the Verdão managed to win 4-3 at its rival's stadium, showing that the Paulistas wanted to be champions more than anyone.

Although Palmeiras isn't officially champion yet, the team will be relaxed and comfortable at the Mineirão. Only a catastrophe will prevent the Paulistas from celebrating another title. Cruzeiro defends well but also scores a few goals. One point is enough for Palmeiras to become champion, but its players will want to win the game. I'm backing the Verdão to win.