The Brazilian Serie A will kick off a slate of midweek matches this week and Fortaleza have three big points up for grabs when they take on Cruzeiro at home.
Fortaleza sit fourth from the bottom in the Serie A with just seven points from a possible 24 obtained.
Manager Rogerio Ceni has watched his side lose back to back fixtures in the league. Fortaleza were outscored 3-0 in their last two matches as goals have been difficult to come by.
Cruzeiro are just one point better off than Fortaleza heading into their midweek clash. The reigning Copa Do Brasil winners have struggled and are winless in their last five matches in the league.
Manager Mano Menezes takes his side into the fixture following a nil-nil draw with Corinthians at the weekend. It was Cruzeiro’s second straight draw. In addition, it was their second consecutive match to finish with under 2.5 goals scored.
Cruzeiro have scored the fifth fewest goals in the league after eight games. They average just one goal per match while conceding 14 in total. Thiago Neves leads the club in goals with three.
Fortaleza have also struggled in the final third. They have tallied six strikes with 12 going into their goal. Five of Fortaleza’s eight fixtures have ended with under 2.5 goals scored.
Five players have scored at least one goal this term. Ceni needs his forwards to step up and finish off chances in front of goal.
The Lion have found life in Serie A to be difficult this season. Despite some struggles, Fortaleza have shown promise and Serie A survival isn’t out of the question. Fortaleza have obtained four points from nine possible at home this season.
Cruzeiro are winless on the road this term with three of their four matches ending in defeat. They have conceded 11 goals on their travels. That poor road defence and form will be Cruzeiro’s downfall when they travel to Fortaleza.
Fortaleza and Cruzeiro haven’t played since the 2006 Serie A season. That last match finished nil-nil but the historical result should mean little when they meet in midweek.
Cruzeiro’s poor away form will give Fortaleza the upper hand when they clash at the Castelao. Cruzeiro have seen over 2.5 goals scored in their three road losses this term. They should once again concede goals as this fixture ends in over 2.5 goals scored.
Fortaleza will pick up a massive three points as they defeat Cruzeiro at home with over 2.5 goals scored and both teams getting on the score sheet.