Fluminense vs Cruzeiro Prediction 17.07.2025
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Fluminense vs Cruzeiro Prediction
Fluminense vs Cruzeiro Prediction and Betting Tips for Matchday 14 of the Brazilian Serie A, set for Thursday, July 18. The game takes place at the Maracana Stadium, with Fluminense returning from an impressive Club World Cup run. In this article, you’ll discover Brazilian Serie A Predictions and expert insights from XpertStats analysts.
- Fluminense return to Serie A after reaching the Club World Cup semi-finals
- Cruzeiro are unbeaten in their last 8 league matches and chasing top spot
- Tricolor are unbeaten in their last 11 home games vs Cruzeiro
- Both sides average over 10 corners per match this season
Fluminense’s recent journey in the FIFA Club World Cup saw them eliminate Inter Milan and Al-Hilal before falling to Chelsea in the semi-finals. Despite the 2-0 defeat, their performance earned both praise and a significant financial boost. Now, with players like Martinelli and Freytes available again, head coach Renato Gaucho is focused on converting that momentum into domestic form. Tricolor are currently sixth in the Serie A table and boast an 11-match unbeaten home run against Cruzeiro, including a 1-0 win last October.
Back on home soil, the Maracana remains a fortress for Fluminense, who last lost there to Cruzeiro over a decade ago. Their defensive solidity, bolstered by the return of key players, and potential changes in the full-back areas offer tactical flexibility. Jhon Arias is unlikely to feature amid transfer talks, so Canobbio and Soteldo are in line for starts. With six wins in 11 league matches, the Rio side look sharp despite a 46-day gap in domestic action.
Cruzeiro arrive in Rio with strong league momentum. Leonardo Jardim’s men are level on points with leaders Flamengo and come off a commanding 4-1 win over Gremio. Kaio Jorge starred with a hat-trick, and the team has now gone unbeaten in their last eight Serie A games. However, their form has been stronger at home than away, where they’ve collected just eight points in six outings. This trip to Maracana will test their title credentials.
Although Cruzeiro haven’t won away to Fluminense since 2012, their current form and depth give them a chance to break that streak. They have a balanced attack with Matheus Pereira and Wanderson supporting Jorge, while the return of Carlos Eduardo adds width. Still, injuries and suspensions in defense may leave them vulnerable. Given both teams’ attacking intent and set-piece involvement, expect an open contest rich in action and Brazilian Serie A Predictions value.
The Over 9.5 Corners market stands out as a strong option for Thursday’s clash at the Maracana. Fluminense average 6.2 corners won and concede 4.2 per game, resulting in 10.4 corners per match overall. Notably, 60% of their games this season have exceeded 9.5 total corners. Cruzeiro's numbers are even more compelling: they generate 5.5 corners and allow 6.5 per game, averaging a league-high 12 corners per match. Importantly, 100% of Cruzeiro’s games have seen Over 9.5 corners, making this trend impossible to ignore. Both teams are dynamic on the wings, especially with players like Soteldo and Carlos Eduardo pushing forward, often forcing set pieces. Given Fluminense’s width-focused attacking style and Cruzeiro’s pace on the counter, corner situations are likely to arise frequently. Additionally, Fluminense's return from a long layoff may result in open transitional play, further encouraging attacking sequences and corner chances.
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