Cruzeiro host Bahia at Mineirão on Thursday after a run of wins over Atlético-MG, Grêmio and Remo. A victory could move the team closer to securing a place in next season’s Copa Libertadores. Cruzeiro have 57 points, four more than Bahia, who are first outside the top five.
Artur Jorge will have to make four changes. Villalba, William and Matheus Pereira are suspended after receiving yellow cards in the derby against Atlético-MG. Centre-back João Marcelo also left that match with a right knee injury and is expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery. He is not expected to return until the start of the 2027 season.
Fagner and Fabrício Bruno are the natural replacements at right-back and centre-back, respectively. At left-back, Matías Viña is the favorite to start, although he is still working toward full fitness. Gabriel Rojas is the alternative; he has not played since facing Bragantino on the 12th and has come under criticism.
Bruno Rodrigues is usually used in Matheus Pereira’s creative role, operating closer to striker Kaio Jorge. Another option is to bring in Wesley and move Gerson into the middle of the attacking unit.
The probable Cruzeiro lineup is Otávio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Matías Viña (or Rojas); Lucas Romero, Zé Lucas, Gerson and Bruno Rodrigues; Arroyo and Kaio Jorge.
Sources: Globo Esporte.