Verdict: Cruzeiro win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Marking their return from Brazil’s summer break in the early hours of Monday, Cruzeiro will welcome Gremio to the Mineirao.
Cruzeiro
Starting with the hosts, heading into the summer interval in the midst of what was a sensational run of form, Cruzeiro will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off last month. Marking their return to Serie A duties sat just three points adrift of climbing to the top of the Serie A standings, Leonardo Jardim’s men have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across Brazil’s elite. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the Foxes have already underlined their status as one of Serie A’s ultimate surprise packages since opening up the 2025 campaign. Getting June underway with a sensational 2-1 victory against South American giants Palmeiras, Jardim’s side are unbeaten in all of their previous 12 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a flurry that stems all the way back to the end of April.
Cruzeiro Team News
Shown a straight red card away at Vitoria prior to the summer interval, veteran midfielder Eduardo will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, still dealing with a long-term knee injury, former Porto youngster Joao Marcelo remains on the sidelines.
Making a permanent switch from Italian icons Juventus last year, 23-year-old Kaio Jorge will lead the line. Despite speculation over a potential European move this summer, Fabricio Bruno will partner Lucas Villalba at the heart of Jardim’s defence.
Gremio
As for the visitors, while the Serie A title contenders might steal plenty of Monday’s headlines, Gremio are enjoying their own extended flurry. Heading into the summer break with a 1-1 stalemate against Corinthians, Mano Menezes’ side have their sights firmly set on clinching a top-six return in 2025. Getting June underway with a routine 2-0 victory away at Juventude, Monday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 11 matchups across all competitions. However, facing what will certainly be a stern examination here, Gremio have drastically failed to find any kind of stability on their travels. In fact, the Immortal Tricolor have notched just a sole win from any of their previous eight showdowns outside of Porto Alegre – a rut that stems all the way back to April 3rd.
Gremio Team News
Picking up a muscle blow against Corinthians prior to the summer break, Gremio are once again expected to be without former Los Angeles striker Cristian Olivera here. Likewise, one-time AC Milan defender Rodrigo Ely remains on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Finding the net in all of his final three consecutive appearances prior to the summer interval, former Barcelona marksman Martin Braithwaite will spearhead Menezes’ charge in the early hours of Monday.
Cruzeiro vs Gremio Key Factors to Consider
- When Cruzeiro and Gremio last met back in November 2024, Monday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Mineirao.
- Cruzeiro side are unbeaten in all of their previous 12 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a flurry that stems all the way back to the end of April.
- Gremio have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their last 11 matchups across all fronts.
- However, the Immortal Tricolor have notched just a single win from their previous eight straight away fixtures.
- Five of the last six meetings between Cruzeiro and Gremio have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Marking their return to Serie A duties here, Cruzeiro will be looking to carry on from where they left off prior to the summer break. In the midst of what has become a sensational purple patch, the Foxes are sat just three points adrift of top spot and will be excited to make their domestic return in the early hours of Monday. With Cruzeiro not suffering a single domestic defeat in front of their own supporters since the start of February, we are backing a home victory at the Mineirao.
Verdict: Cruzeiro win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
