Ceará vs Cruzeiro Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 30 November

Ceará vs Cruzeiro Prediction and Match Preview sets the stage for an intriguing clash in Brazil’s Serie A this Sunday, 30 November. Both teams are set to face off in a match that could have significant implications for their league standings. Ceará, playing at home, will be looking to leverage their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Cruzeiro.

Despite the absence of a specified venue, the encounter promises to be a competitive affair. Cruzeiro, known for their resilient performances, will aim to challenge Ceará’s home advantage and secure crucial points. With both teams eager to climb the Serie A table, this matchup is expected to deliver an engaging contest for fans and bettors alike.

Ceará vs Cruzeiro Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Cruzeiro to Win	2.27

Cruzeiro come into this game on a high, having convincingly beaten Corinthians 3-0 in their last outing. Their attacking play has been sharp, and with Kaio Jorge in fine form, they look like strong contenders to secure another win. Given their momentum and Ceará’s inconsistent performances, backing Cruzeiro to win at odds of 2.30 appears to offer solid value.

• Cruzeiro have shown more consistency and attacking threat, especially with Kaio Jorge scoring and assisting in their last match.
• Ceará have struggled with form, currently battling in the lower half of the table, which makes them less reliable.
• Cruzeiro’s recent 3-0 victory against Corinthians highlights their current high morale and confidence.

Betting Odds

In this Serie A clash, Cruzeiro are stepping onto the pitch as the favourites with odds of 2.27, while Ceará are priced at 3.15, suggesting a challenging outing for the home side. The draw is also in play at 3.16, indicating a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Ceará to win	3.15
Draw	3.16
Cruzeiro to win	2.27

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds highlight potential value in backing Cruzeiro given their slight edge. However, Ceará’s home advantage could make the draw an enticing option for punters seeking a higher return.

Ceará Analysis & Past Performance

Ceará’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a 2-0 victory over Fluminense and a crucial 1-0 away win against Corinthians. However, recent defeats, such as the 3-0 loss to Mirassol, highlight their inconsistency.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Mirassol	Ceará	3 – 0 (Defeat)	Serie A	24 Nov 2025
Ceará	Internacional	1 – 2 (Defeat)	Serie A	21 Nov 2025
Corinthians	Ceará	0 – 1 (Victory)	Serie A	9 Nov 2025
Ceará	Fortaleza	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	6 Nov 2025
Ceará	Fluminense	2 – 0 (Victory)	Serie A	2 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• LLWDW

Ceará’s attack has been moderately productive, averaging 1.00 goal per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they’ve conceded an average of 1.20 goals per match, keeping two clean sheets in this period. Their defensive solidity fluctuates, as seen in their last two games where they failed to secure clean sheets. Key player Pedro Raul remains pivotal, contributing significantly with 10 goals this season. Despite their mid-table league position at 14th, they have shown resilience at home, winning 7 out of 17 matches. Their win ratio stands at 40% for home games, highlighting a slightly better performance on home turf.

Ceará Suspensions & Injuries

Ceará face significant challenges with key players like Luiz Otávio, Fernando Sobral, and Pedro Henrique sidelined. Luiz Otávio’s absence due to knee surgery is particularly impactful, as he is a crucial figure in the defence, expected to return by early December 2025. Without him, the defensive line may experience a lack of leadership and organisation.

The midfield will also need adjustments with Fernando Sobral out due to an ankle injury, expected back in about a week. His dynamic presence and ball distribution are missed, potentially forcing Ceará to rely more heavily on Lucas Mugni to fill the creative void. Pedro Henrique’s muscle injury further complicates matters, as his versatility up front provided tactical flexibility.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Luiz Otávio	Knee surgery	Early December 2025
Fernando Sobral	Ankle injury	About a week
Pedro Henrique	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks

Coach Léo Condé might consider altering the formation, possibly shifting to a more defensive setup to compensate for the missing players. The absence of these key players could influence Ceará’s odds in the betting markets, with their overall squad depth being tested. The team will need to adopt a more cautious approach against Cruzeiro, emphasising defensive solidity and efficient counter-attacks.

Ceará Key Players

Pedro Raul stands out as Ceará’s top scorer, having netted 10 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the opposition’s defence make him a constant threat. Operating as the focal point of the attack, Pedro Raul’s partnership with Fernandinho and Antonio Galeano in the forward line will be essential in breaking down Cruzeiro’s defence.

In midfield, Lucas Mugni’s playmaking abilities are crucial for Ceará’s tactical setup. His vision and passing range enable him to dictate the tempo and create opportunities for the forwards. Alongside him, Vinícius Zanocelo provides a blend of defensive solidity and forward thrust, making him a key player in transitions.

Expected lineup for Ceará

• Goalkeeper: Bruno Ferreira
• Defenders: Fabiano, Marcos Victor, Willian Machado, Matheus Bahia
• Midfielders: Vinícius Zanocelo, Dieguinho, Lucas Mugni
• Forwards: Antonio Galeano, Fernandinho, Pedro Raul

At the back, the defensive quartet of Fabiano, Marcos Victor, Willian Machado, and Matheus Bahia will be tasked with maintaining a solid backline. Their ability to withstand pressure and initiate counter-attacks will be vital. The combination of these players’ strengths forms the backbone of Ceará’s tactical approach, emphasising balanced play and quick transitions.

Ceará Tactics and Formation

Ceará Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Pedro Henrique
• Midfield Pivot: Lucas Mugni and Rafael Ramos
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on possession and quick transitions.

Ceará typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under the guidance of coach Léo Condé. This setup allows for a strong defensive base while facilitating offensive transitions. Lucas Mugni and Rafael Ramos serve as the midfield pivot, offering both defensive cover and creative outlets. Their ability to maintain possession is crucial in controlling the game’s tempo.

Defensively, the back four, led by Fabiano Silva and Marcos Victor, have been instrumental in achieving two clean sheets recently. The presence of Bruno as the goalkeeper adds further stability to their defensive setup. This defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of Ceará’s strategy, particularly at home.

Offensively, Ceará rely on quick transitions, with Pedro Henrique spearheading the attack. Supported by wingers Dieguinho and Antonio Galeano, Ceará aim to exploit spaces left by opposition defences, especially during counter-attacks. Despite their recent 0-3 loss to Mirassol, their offensive strategy remains focused on maximising possession and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Cruzeiro Analysis & Past Performance

Cruzeiro have been demonstrating solid form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last ten matches. Their recent performance includes a convincing 3-0 victory over Corinthians, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cruzeiro	Corinthians	3 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	23 Nov 2025
Juventude	Cruzeiro	3 – 3 (Draw)	Serie A	20 Nov 2025
Cruzeiro	Fluminense	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	9 Nov 2025
Grêmio	Cruzeiro	0 – 1 (Win)	Serie A	5 Nov 2025
Cruzeiro	Vitória	3 – 1 (Win)	Serie A	1 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• WDDWW

Cruzeiro have been consistent, with a win ratio of 60% over their last five games, scoring an average of 2.00 goals per game while conceding just 0.80. Notably, they have kept three clean sheets in this period, highlighting their defensive solidity. However, their away form sees a lower win ratio at 20%, with four draws in their last five away matches, indicating a tendency to share points on the road.

Cruzeiro Suspensions & Injuries

Cruzeiro face a challenging scenario as they prepare to face Ceará, with significant injuries and suspensions impacting their squad depth. The absence of Lucas Romero due to suspension for accumulating yellow cards is a considerable blow to their midfield stability. His role will likely be filled by Lucas Silva, who will need to step up to maintain the midfield’s defensive resilience.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Lucas Romero	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

Injuries further complicate the situation for Cruzeiro. Fagner is sidelined with an ankle injury, expected to return in early December, while both Marquinhos and Wanderson are out for the rest of the season with more severe injuries. The loss of Marquinhos, in particular, reduces attacking options and creativity in the final third.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Fagner	Ankle injury	Early December 2025
Marquinhos	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Wanderson	Hamstring injury	Out for the season

Tactically, Leonardo Jardim may need to adjust his formation, potentially opting for a more conservative approach to compensate for the weakened midfield and lack of attacking depth. The absence of these key players might influence betting markets, as Cruzeiro’s ability to dominate play and control the match could be compromised, affecting their odds against Ceará.

Cruzeiro Key Players

Leading the charge for Cruzeiro is their prolific top scorer, Kaio Jorge, who has netted an impressive 21 goals this season. His ability to exploit defensive gaps with his sharp movement and precise finishing makes him a constant threat. In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Kaio Jorge’s interplay with fellow forward Keny Arroyo could be pivotal, as their combined pace and technique can unravel even the most organised defences.

In midfield, Lucas Silva’s role as a playmaker is crucial for dictating the tempo and providing incisive passes that can open up opportunities for the forwards. His partnership with Matheus Henrique offers a blend of creativity and defensive solidity, ensuring that Cruzeiro maintain control in the central areas. Defensively, Fabrício Bruno stands out with his commanding presence and aerial strength, vital for thwarting any aerial threats from Ceará.

Expected lineup for Cruzeiro

• Goalkeeper: Cássio
• Defenders: William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki
• Midfielders: Matheus Henrique, Lucas Silva, Matheus Pereira
• Forwards: Christian Cardoso, Keny Arroyo, Kaio Jorge

The tactical implications of these key players are significant. Kaio Jorge’s knack for finding the back of the net means Cruzeiro can adopt an aggressive attacking approach, while Lucas Silva’s midfield mastery provides the balance needed to transition smoothly between defence and attack. This combination of offensive firepower and midfield control is a strength that Cruzeiro will look to leverage to dominate the match.

Cruzeiro Tactics and Formation

Cruzeiro Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kaio Jorge
• Midfield Pivot: Lucas Daniel Romero and Lucas Silva
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong central midfield control and effective counter-attacks.

Cruzeiro typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, offering a solid balance between defence and attack. The defensive line, featuring players like Fabrício Bruno and Lucas Villalba, has been instrumental in maintaining clean sheets, as seen in their last match against Corinthians.

In midfield, Lucas Daniel Romero and Lucas Silva form a robust pivot, crucial for both defensive stability and initiating attacks. Their presence is essential in controlling the game’s tempo and distributing the ball to more advanced players like Matheus Pereira and Christian Cardoso.

Offensively, Cruzeiro rely heavily on the prowess of Kaio Jorge, who is their top scorer. His ability to find the back of the net has been pivotal, especially in matches where Cruzeiro need to capitalise on counter-attacks. Their recent form shows a strong defensive record, with three clean sheets in their last five outings, underscoring their tactical discipline.

Ceará vs Cruzeiro Head-to-Head Record

Looking at the head-to-head record, Cruzeiro have the edge with four wins compared to Ceará’s three, and there have been two draws in their nine encounters. The last time these two met, Ceará pulled off a surprising 2-1 victory away at Cruzeiro in Serie A, showing they can compete even on the road.

In Serie A, the head-to-head record is quite competitive, with Cruzeiro slightly ahead. Ceará’s recent away win could give them a psychological boost coming into this match, especially considering the tight scorelines in past meetings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Cruzeiro	Ceará	1 – 2	Serie A	2025-07-27
Ceará	Cruzeiro	0 – 0	Serie A	2019-09-25
Cruzeiro	Ceará	1 – 0	Serie A	2019-05-01
Cruzeiro	Ceará	0 – 2	Serie A	2018-10-24
Ceará	Cruzeiro	0 – 1	Serie A	2018-06-03