Juventude vs Cruzeiro Prediction, Match Preview, Thursday, 20 November

Juventude vs Cruzeiro Prediction, Match Preview, Thursday, 20 November. As we look ahead to this intriguing Serie A clash, Juventude will host Cruzeiro in what promises to be a compelling encounter. Both teams are vying for crucial points in the league, making this match a significant fixture in their respective campaigns.

Although the venue details remain unspecified, the importance of this match cannot be understated. Juventude will aim to capitalise on their home advantage, while Cruzeiro seek a vital away victory. With both teams eager to climb the Serie A standings, fans can expect a competitive and closely contested game.

Juventude vs Cruzeiro Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Cruzeiro to Win	1.81

Cruzeiro arrive at Estádio Alfredo Jaconi with strong momentum and a solid track record, making them a reliable choice for this fixture. Given their unbeaten run and superior head-to-head record against Juventude, backing Cruzeiro to win at odds of 1.83 offers good value.

• Cruzeiro are unbeaten and hold a superior head-to-head record with three wins in their last five meetings against Juventude.
• Juventude’s inconsistent home form, with nearly as many losses as wins, suggests vulnerabilities Cruzeiro can exploit.
• Betting odds of 1.83 reflect Cruzeiro’s strong form, tactical discipline, and defensive solidity, making them a smart bet.

Betting Odds

Juventude are the underdogs in this Serie A clash, with odds of 4.18 reflecting their uphill battle against Cruzeiro. The visitors, priced at 1.81, are favoured to take all three points, but Juventude’s home advantage could spring a surprise.

Betting Tip	Odds
Juventude to win	4.18
Draw	3.53
Cruzeiro to win	1.81

A draw, at 3.53, might tempt those expecting a tightly contested affair. With Cruzeiro’s attacking prowess, betting on over 2.5 goals could also be a smart play for punters.

Juventude Analysis & Recent Performance

Juventude’s recent form has been inconsistent, showing flashes of quality interspersed with frustrating lapses. They sit 18th in the Serie A table with a total of 32 points. In their last five matches, Juventude have secured three wins against Vasco da Gama, Sport Recife, and Red Bull Bragantino, but suffered defeats to Palmeiras and Grêmio. Their recent win ratio stands at 60%, indicating potential but a lack of consistency on the pitch.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Vasco da Gama	Juventude	1 – 3 (Win)	Serie A	8 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Juventude	0 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	5 Nov 2025
Juventude	Palmeiras	0 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	2 Nov 2025
Grêmio	Juventude	3 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	26 Oct 2025
Juventude	Red Bull Bragantino	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	20 Oct 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Juventude have averaged 1.40 goals per game over their last five fixtures, with Bill leading the charge with five goals this season. The team’s scoring ability was evident in their commanding 3-1 victory over Vasco da Gama. However, defensively, they have conceded 1.20 goals per match in the same period, highlighting vulnerabilities at the back. Despite keeping two clean sheets, they must focus on tightening their defence to climb out of the relegation zone.

Their home form has been particularly concerning, with only one win in their last five home games, culminating in a win ratio of 20% at home. Juventude’s ability to convert draws and losses into wins at home could prove pivotal in their survival battle.

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Juventude Suspensions & Injuries

Juventude face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Nata, Emerson Galego, Caique Gonçalves, and Wilker Ángel are all dealing with injuries that could impact the team’s depth and tactical flexibility. Particularly, Gilberto Oliveira’s thigh injury rules him out for the season, which is a significant blow to the squad’s defensive options. With these players out, the team may need to rely on less experienced squad members to fill the gaps, which could affect their overall strength against Cruzeiro.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left	Anticipated Return
Rodrigo Sam	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

The suspension of Rodrigo Sam due to an accumulation of yellow cards adds to Juventude’s defensive woes. This leaves coach Thiago Carpini with a tactical puzzle, as Sam’s absence will require a reshuffle in the defensive line. Luan Freitas and Wilker Ángel, if fit, might be expected to step up, but with Ángel also doubtful, the team may need to bring in less seasoned defenders. This could lead to a more conservative approach to maintain defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Nata	Thigh injury	Late November 2025
Emerson Galego	Ankle injury	Late November 2025
Gilberto Oliveira	Thigh injury	Out for season
Wilker Ángel	Thigh injury	Doubtful
Caique Gonçalves	Back injury	Late November 2025

These absences are likely to influence betting markets, as Juventude’s depleted squad may struggle against a full-strength Cruzeiro. The lack of depth could force a shift in formation or style, potentially affecting Juventude’s ability to control the game and dictate play, making them underdogs in the upcoming match.

Juventude Key Players

Juventude will heavily rely on their top scorer, Bill, who has netted five goals this season, to spearhead their attack. Bill’s ability to find space in the box and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence. His partnership with Rafael Bilu in the forward line is crucial, as Bilu’s pace and dribbling skills can create opportunities and open up defences.

In midfield, Nenê stands out as the playmaker, orchestrating the team’s play with his vision and passing accuracy. His ability to control the tempo and link up with both the defence and attack makes him indispensable. Defensively, Luan Freitas provides stability at the back, utilising his aerial ability and tactical awareness to thwart opposition attacks. His partnership with Marcos Paulo in defence could be pivotal in maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for Juventude:

• Goalkeeper: Jandrei
• Defenders: Abner, Luan Freitas, Marcos Paulo
• Midfielders: Igor Formiga, Luis Mandaca, Nenê, Daniel Peixoto, Marcelo Hermes
• Forwards: Gabriel Taliari, Rafael Bilu

The tactical setup of Juventude is likely to revolve around these key players, with a focus on maintaining a strong defensive structure while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities through Bill and Bilu. The interplay between Nenê and the forwards will be crucial in breaking down Cruzeiro’s defence, while the defensive solidity provided by Freitas and Paulo could be the foundation for a successful outing.

Juventude Tactics and Formation

Juventude Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Bill
• Midfield Pivot: Igor Marques and Caique
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Compact defence and counter-attacks.

Juventude typically employ a 5-3-2 formation, which provides a solid defensive structure while allowing quick transitions into attack. The three central defenders, Luan Freitas, Rodrigo Sam, and Wilker Ángel, ensure a robust backline that has contributed to two clean sheets in their last five matches.

In midfield, Igor Marques and Caique play pivotal roles, balancing defensive responsibilities with initiating counter-attacks. Nenê acts as the creative force, linking up play and supporting the forwards.

Offensively, Juventude rely on the pace and finishing ability of Bill, their top scorer with five goals this season. His partnership with Rafael Bilu is crucial for capitalising on counter-attacking opportunities, especially given their recent form of three wins in the last five games.

Cruzeiro Analysis & Recent Performance

Cruzeiro have maintained solid form in their recent outings, securing an unbeaten streak in their last five matches. Notable results include a 1-0 victory over Grêmio and a convincing 3-1 win against Vitória. However, they have also been involved in stalemates, as seen in their recent 0-0 draw with Fluminense.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
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
Palmeiras	Cruzeiro	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	26 Oct 2025
Cruzeiro	Fortaleza	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	19 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

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Cruzeiro’s attacking efficiency has been consistent, with an average of 1.00 goals scored per game over the last five fixtures. Defensively, they have been robust, conceding only 0.20 goals per match and achieving four clean sheets. Despite this, their away performance highlights a moderate success rate, with only one win from their last five away games, resulting in a win ratio of 20%.

Cruzeiro Suspensions & Injuries

Cruzeiro face significant challenges in their upcoming match against Juventude due to a host of injuries and suspensions. The absence of key players like Fagner, Matheus Henrique, Marquinhos, and Wanderson, all sidelined with serious injuries, severely limits their options. These players have been crucial in maintaining the team’s structure, particularly in defence and midfield, where their presence is sorely missed. Fagner’s ankle injury and Matheus Henrique’s broken rib are particularly impactful, with the latter out for the season, alongside Marquinhos and Wanderson who are also confirmed to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Fagner	Ankle injury	Late November 2025
Matheus Henrique	Broken rib	Out for season
Marquinhos	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Wanderson	Hamstring injury	Out for season

Furthermore, Cruzeiro’s tactical setup will be under pressure as they navigate the suspensions of Walace, Christian Cardoso, Keny Arroyo, and Matheus Pereira. Each player has accumulated too many yellow cards, resulting in a one-match ban. This suspension list strips Cruzeiro of vital midfield and defensive resources, forcing coach Leonardo Jardim to rethink his strategy. The absence of these players may lead to a more defensive approach, relying on the depth of their squad to fill the gaps.

Player	Ban	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Walace	Yellow cards	1	Unknown
Christian Cardoso	Yellow cards	1	Unknown
Keny Arroyo	Yellow cards	1	Unknown
Matheus Pereira	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

With such a depleted squad, Cruzeiro’s ability to maintain their competitive edge is in question. Betting markets may see this as an opportunity for Juventude, given Cruzeiro’s weakened lineup. Cruzeiro will need to rely on their squad depth and perhaps alter their formation to mitigate the impact of these absences. The outcome of this match could heavily depend on how well the replacements adapt to their new roles.

Cruzeiro Key Players

Cruzeiro’s attacking prowess this season is spearheaded by their top scorer, Kaio Jorge, who has impressively netted 17 goals. His ability to find space and capitalise on defensive errors makes him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. Alongside him is Gabriel Barbosa, whose experience and striking capability add depth to their forward line. In midfield, Lucas Silva and Lucas Romero play pivotal roles; Silva’s passing range and Romero’s defensive aptitude ensure a balanced midfield capable of both creating and disrupting plays. On the defensive front, Fabrício Bruno stands out with his robust tackling and aerial strength, providing a solid backline for Cruzeiro.

Expected lineup for Cruzeiro

• Goalkeeper: Cássio
• Defenders: William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki
• Midfielders: Carlos Eduardo, Lucas Silva, Lucas Romero, Luis Sinisterra
• Forwards: Gabriel Barbosa, Kaio Jorge

The tactical approach of Cruzeiro heavily relies on these key players. Kaio Jorge’s goal-scoring instincts and Gabriel Barbosa’s offensive support allow for a dynamic attacking strategy. Meanwhile, the midfield duo of Silva and Romero orchestrate the game’s tempo, crucial for maintaining possession and launching counter-attacks. Defensively, Fabrício Bruno’s presence is vital in organising the backline and dealing with aerial threats. Collectively, these players’ strengths form the backbone of Cruzeiro’s strategy, aiming to exploit Juventude’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Cruzeiro Tactics and Formation

Cruzeiro Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Kaio Jorge
• Midfield Pivot: Lucas Daniel Romero
• Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive organisation with quick transitions.

Cruzeiro’s 4-1-4-1 formation emphasises defensive stability and control in midfield. Lucas Daniel Romero acts as the midfield anchor, providing crucial defensive cover while facilitating transitions. This allows the team to maintain a solid shape, ensuring defensive rigidity.

Defensively, the backline of William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, and Kaiki has been formidable, contributing to Cruzeiro’s impressive record of four clean sheets in their last five matches. Goalkeeper Cássio’s experience further bolsters their defensive resilience.

Offensively, Cruzeiro rely on the attacking prowess of Kaio Jorge, who has netted 17 goals this season. The wingers Carlos Eduardo and Keny Arroyo provide width and pace, supporting quick counterattacks that exploit opposition vulnerabilities, particularly effective during the latter stages of matches.

Juventude vs Cruzeiro Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Juventude and Cruzeiro, Cruzeiro have the upper hand with nine wins compared to Juventude’s six, and there have been two draws. Their last encounter was a dominant 4-0 victory for Cruzeiro in Serie A, showing their recent superiority.

Focusing on their Serie A clashes, Cruzeiro have consistently outperformed Juventude, winning the last three league meetings without conceding a goal. Juventude will be eager to turn the tide in this upcoming fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Cruzeiro	Juventude	4 – 0	Serie A	2025-07-20
Juventude	Cruzeiro	0 – 1	Serie A	2024-12-08
Cruzeiro	Juventude	2 – 0	Serie A	2024-07-24
Juventude	Cruzeiro	1 – 0	Serie B	2021-01-16
Cruzeiro	Juventude	0 – 0	Serie B	2020-10-17