Cruzeiro vs Palmeiras Prediction: Palmeiras must win

Cruzeiro and Palmeiras will meet at the Mineirão in a decisive match for both teams. In a controversial decision that can still be reversed, a court has banned fans from the stands for this match. The various clashes between fans of the two clubs are at the root of this security measure.

The Fox is ninth in the table with 49 points, one point behind eighth place, the desired position that grants access to the Copa Libertadores. Cruzeiro must overtake one team in the standings to play in the prestigious competition next season. Bahia and Corinthians have 50 points currently. In the last round, the Miners drew 1-1 away to Bragantino and dropped two places. Cruzeiro could have already qualified for the Copa Libertadores but lost the Copa Sudamericana final against Racing de Avellaneda. Diniz's team needs a good result against Palmeiras.

The Verdão lost at home against the big rival in the fight for the title and dropped to second place. Palmeiras failed in the decisive game and lost 3-1 to Botafogo, now the favorite to finish in first place. Abel Ferreira's team is three points behind the leader but won't give up the fight, a trait the Portuguese coach has instilled in his players in recent years. Botafogo will play Internacional and São Paulo in the final two rounds, so the Paulistas still dream of becoming champions. 

It's a game that could decide the future of both sides. Cruzeiro is ninth and must finish in the top eight to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. However, Fernando Diniz's team isn't in the best form and has won just one of its last eleven league matches. The opponent is still fighting for the title, and it won't be easy for Cruzeiro. Palmeiras is three points behind Botafogo and still believes it can finish the Brasileirão in first place. The Paulistas must win in Belo Horizonte, and nothing else matters. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Palmeiras, with a maximum of three goals scored in the match.