Cruzeiro VS Sao Paulo

Cruzeiro will look to maintain their strong home form when they welcome Sao Paulo to Governor Magalhaes Pinto in Belo Horizonte. Sitting sixth in the Brasileiro with 45 points from 28 matches, Cruzeiro have enjoyed a major turnaround after a difficult start to the campaign, winning six of their last eight games. Their home record has been particularly encouraging, with seven victories and four draws from 14 league matches, including three consecutive wins. However, defensive problems remain a concern, as they have conceded 40 goals and failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 matches. Sao Paulo arrive in Belo Horizonte in a much more difficult position, sitting 11th with 36 points after 28 matches. Their overall record has been inconsistent, with 12 defeats and only 33 goals scored, while their away form has been especially poor. They have managed just two wins from 14 league trips and have gone 11 consecutive away matches without a victory. Despite those struggles, Sao Paulo have shown some signs of improvement, winning three of their last 15 matches, with all three victories coming recently. That run could provide a degree of confidence, although Cruzeiro's home advantage makes the hosts the more convincing side on paper.