Cruzeiro VS Bahia

The race for next season's Copa Libertadores berths is reaching a critical stage in Brazil's Serie A, as both sides have no remaining cup commitments and are fully focused on earning maximum points here. Sitting 3rd on 57 points after 33 rounds, the home side are just inside the top qualifying spots, while the visiting side rank 6th on 53 points, a single point adrift of the top four that guarantees a direct Libertadores place. Cruzeiro have notched 4 wins and 1 loss across their last 5 matches, with rock-solid home form: across 13 home fixtures this campaign, they have recorded 7 wins, 4 draws and only 2 defeats, picking up points at a very steady rate. Bahia, by comparison, have posted 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in their latest 5 outings, with a 5-3-4 record across 12 away trips. The hosts hold a clear edge in historical head-to-head records, having beaten Bahia 2-1 in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Their attacking pair Mateus Pereira and Kaio Jorge have combined for over 20 goals so far this term. For absentees, Cruzeiro are without Sinisterra and Gabriel Pec due to injury, while Bahia's Leo Vieira has been ruled out for the rest of the season.