- Team form: Cruzeiro are in better form with three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five, including a 2-1 league win over Flamengo today.
- Recent results: Vasco da Gama have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five, but the 0-3 home defeat to Santos in Serie A 2026 still stings.
- Away/home form: Cruzeiro have won five, drawn two and lost four of their 11 away games in Serie A 2026, which is a good travelling record for a side that currently sits fifth.
Directness could give Cruzeiro the edge
Raposa are in much better shape than Cruzmaltino, who sit 19th with 22 points from 22 games, compared to Cruzeiro's 39 from 24.
Pedro Emanuel took charge on 10 July 2026 and the club's identity has been a hybrid of sorts, alternating between periods of controlled buildup and possession, then quick transitions and counters. Thiago Mendes has been a bright spark for the hosts with two of his team's five goals scored in the last five matches, but his midfield colleague needs some help.
Artur Jorge has had a little more time to work with the players he signed at the start of the season, having taken over at Cruzeiro on 23 March 2026. He has instilled a more direct style on his side, who will progress the ball faster and hit their opponents with a punch on the break, while still playing good soccer when they get it right.
Raposa have an edge, but Vasco won’t go down easily
Tactical battle:
A clash of styles is always interesting, but it can also turn a game into a chess match with moments of chaos, which could happen on Sunday.
Cruzeiro are the better side and in better shape, but Vasco have an excellent home record with five wins, two draws and five defeats from 12 matches. São Januário has not been much of a fortress, however, and I expect this to be close.
Betting and stats:
- Backing the visitors at 2.7 has some appeal over Vasco at 2.56 and the draw at 3.2, but I am leaning towards the under 2.5 goals at 1.7 and Both Teams To Score – No at 1.91
- Cruzeiro average 1.18 goals scored and 1.64 conceded away, while Vasco average 1.08 goals scored and 1.42 goals conceded at home.
