Cruzeiro welcome Bahia to Mineirão in Belo Horizonte on Thursday for a 34th-round Brazilian Championship match, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Brasília time. The game will be broadcast on sportv and Premiere, with ge providing live coverage.
Cruzeiro moved into fourth place for the first time this season after a 4-2 away victory over Grêmio, taking their points total to 51. They will be looking to hold onto a place in the top four and secure direct qualification for next year’s Libertadores.
Bahia come into the match after beating São Paulo at Arena Fonte Nova, keeping them in contention for a Libertadores place. The team are also seeking to end a 13-year winless run in Belo Horizonte and improve their record against sides in the Brazilian Championship’s top six. They have lost six of their 10 such matches this season, with a 33% points return.
Cruzeiro coach Artur Jorge is expected to make several changes following injuries and suspensions. João Marcelo is injured, while William, Villalba and Matheus Pereira are suspended. Fagner is the expected replacement at right-back, and Bruno Rodrigues could be used in midfield.
Cruzeiro’s probable lineup is Otávio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Viña or Gabriel Rojas; Lucas Romero, Zé Lucas, Gerson and Bruno Rodrigues; Arroyo and Kaio Jorge. Felipe Morais, Gabriel Pec, João Marcelo and Sinisterra are listed as injured, while Matheus Pereira, Villalba and William are suspended.
Bahia are expected to bring Kanu back into the starting lineup after his suspension. Everton Ribeiro could again begin on the bench, while Willian José has been left out of the squad for a second consecutive match. Léo Vieira is unavailable through injury.
Bahia’s probable lineup is Ronaldo; Marcos Victor, David Duarte, Kanu or Marco Moreno and Luciano Juba; Acevedo, Jean Lucas and Rodrigo Nestor; Erick Pulga, Kike Olivera and Alejo.
Sources: Globo Esporte.