On Monday, at the "José Pinheiro Borda" stadium in Porto Alegre, one of the matches of the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship will take place, featuring Internacional against Cruzeiro. Here’s a prediction for this encounter from the Dailysports expert team.
Internacional's Recent Struggles
The "Reds" have not been performing at their best in the domestic league, currently sitting in 13th place in the Serie A standings. They are just two points behind 12th-placed Bragantino, but Internacional has two fewer matches played. In their last match, Internacional faced one of the league's underperformers, Atlético Goianiense, away from home and lost 0-1. Before this, they had gone four matches unbeaten, securing one win and three draws. At home, Internacional has struggled, winning only three out of nine matches while suffering two defeats.
A Look at the Numbers
It's worth noting that Internacional has an advantage in terms of rest, as they haven't played since last Sunday, while Cruzeiro had an exhausting and crucial match against Boca Juniors in the Copa Sudamericana. This could play a factor in the match, as Cruzeiro will be coming into the game with less time to recover.
Cruzeiro's Consistent Form
Cruzeiro currently holds the seventh spot in the Brazilian Serie A standings, having accumulated 37 points from 22 matches. The team has secured 11 wins and suffered seven losses. They are nine points behind the league leaders, but Cruzeiro has a game in hand compared to Botafogo. In their most recent match, Cruzeiro played away against Vitória and drew 2-2. This was their second consecutive draw in the league. Out of 12 away matches, Cruzeiro has managed only three wins, while losing six times.
A Recent Upset
It’s also worth noting that Cruzeiro recently defeated Boca Juniors in a penalty shootout in the Copa Sudamericana. This victory highlighted the team's resilience and ability to perform well in high-pressure situations. While this match was not a league encounter, it serves as a reminder of Cruzeiro's potential and their ability to cause upsets.
The Expert Verdict
Bookmakers are giving a noticeable edge to the home team, with odds for a win for the "Reds" looking enticing at 2.24. This suggests that the bookmakers believe Internacional has a higher chance of winning the match. Our bet for this match is "Internacional to Win with a Handicap (0)" at odds of 1.60. This bet implies that Internacional will win the match, regardless of the margin of victory. The handicap (0) indicates that a draw will result in a loss for the bettor. This is a good option for bettors who believe that Internacional will win but are not confident in a large margin of victory. While Cruzeiro has shown strong form this season, the home advantage, combined with the extra rest for Internacional, makes them the favorites in this encounter.
Final Thoughts: A Close Encounter
While the odds favor Internacional, this promises to be a closely fought match. Cruzeiro is a formidable opponent, especially considering their recent performance in the Copa Sudamericana. The outcome will depend on how well both teams can capitalize on their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. For Internacional, this is a chance to turn around their recent struggles in the league, while Cruzeiro will be aiming to maintain their momentum and climb further up the table. The match will certainly be entertaining for fans and bettors alike, and the outcome remains uncertain until the final whistle.
