Palmeiras vs. Cruzeiro Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 26 October 2025

As we enter the 30th round of Serie A, Palmeiras and Cruzeiro are set for a crucial clash at Allianz Parque. Palmeiras sits atop the table with 61 points, tied with Flamengo, while Cruzeiro is just five points behind in third place. This matchup carries significant weight for both sides in their pursuit of the title.

Palmeiras is coming off a tough stint that includes a 3-0 Copa Libertadores loss to LDU, adding to their physical fatigue. Aníbal Moreno is doubtful due to a calf injury, and with Piquerez suspended, Jefté is expected to step in. Despite these challenges, Palmeiras has home advantage and a formidable attack fronted by Vitor Roque.

Cruzeiro, despite their solid form, often struggles against top-tier teams when playing away. With Palmeiras being the bookmaker’s favourite at 1.77 odds, a home win looks probable.

Given Palmeiras’ attacking prowess and Cruzeiro’s away difficulties, a bet on Palmeiras to win in the 1X2 market is recommended.

Palmeiras vs Cruzeiro Prediction & Betting tip

Palmeiras to win in the 1X2 market is our top recommendation for this match. Palmeiras are the bookmaker’s favourite with solid odds of 1.77.

• Home Advantage: Palmeiras plays at Allianz Parque, where they have a strong record.
• Attacking Prowess: Palmeiras’ average goals scored in their last five matches is 2.80, indicating a potent attack.
• Cruzeiro’s Away Struggles: Cruzeiro has often struggled against top-tier teams, especially in away games.

Given these factors, Palmeiras is likely to control the game and aim for a decisive victory.

Palmeiras vs Cruzeiro Odds

The odds for the upcoming Serie A clash between Palmeiras and Cruzeiro are indicative of the home side being the favourites. Palmeiras are backed with solid odds due to their current impressive standing and recent performances.

Palmeiras, currently at the top of the table, showcase strong attacking and defensive capabilities, making them the preferred bet. A draw stands at notable odds, while an away win for Cruzeiro, given their lower scoring average and recent struggles against top-tier teams, remains a higher bet.

Bettors should keep in mind the form of both teams and Palmeiras’ home advantage when considering these odds.

Palmeiras Team Analysis

Palmeiras Recent Performance

Palmeiras’ recent form shows a mix of highs and lows. With recent results including wins against Red Bull Bragantino (5-1), Juventude (4-1), and Sao Paulo (3-2), they demonstrated their attacking prowess with an average of 2.80 goals scored in their last five games. However, they also faced significant defeats, losing 3-0 to LDU de Quito in the Copa Libertadores and 3-2 to Flamengo in Serie A, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities as they have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches.

Their most recent loss to LDU highlights potential fatigue and injuries impacting performance. With key players like Aníbal Moreno doubtful and Piquerez suspended, the upcoming match against Cruzeiro will test their depth and resilience. Despite these challenges, playing at Allianz Parque offers a home advantage they’ll look to capitalize on.

Palmeiras Key Players

Palmeiras’ squad features several standout players crucial to their performance. Vitor Roque leads the attack with 13 goals, making him the home team’s top scorer. He will be keen to exploit Cruzeiro’s defence, supported by the creative capabilities of Raphael Veiga and Felipe Anderson in midfield.

Andreas Pereira and Emiliano Martínez are expected to hold the midfield, controlling the game’s tempo and linking up play between defence and attack. In defence, Gustavo Gomez will anchor the backline, protecting goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.

Expected lineup for Palmeiras:

• Goalkeeper: Carlos Miguel
• Defenders: Agustin Giay, Gustavo Gomez, Murilo Cerqueira, Jefté
• Midfielders: Emiliano Martínez, Andreas Pereira, Raphael Veiga, José Manuel López, Felipe Anderson
• Forwards: Vitor Roque

Key battles to watch include Roque against Cruzeiro’s Fabricio Bruno and Veiga against Lucas Silva in midfield, which could determine the game’s flow and outcome.

Palmeiras Suspensions & Injuries

Palmeiras is grappling with several challenges in terms of injuries and suspensions ahead of their crucial match against Cruzeiro. Aníbal Moreno is doubtful due to a left calf injury, adding to the team’s woes along with Piquerez’s suspension and Allan serving a ban for a red card incident. This scenario tests the depth and resilience of the squad, with Emiliano Martínez anticipated to fill Moreno’s spot in midfield and Jefté set to replace Piquerez in defence.

Additionally, Palmeiras is missing key players like Paulinho, Lucas Evangelista, and Figueiredo who are all out for the rest of the season, further hampering their rotation options. With these absences, Palmeiras’ strategy and on-field dynamics might be significantly impacted, making it imperative for others to step up and fill the void.

Palmeiras Tactics and Formation

Palmeiras Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vitor Roque

Palmeiras are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, putting emphasis on both a solid defence and potent attack. Vitor Roque, their top scorer with 13 goals, will lead the attack, aiming to penetrate Cruzeiro’s defence. The midfield will be crucial, with Emiliano Martínez and Andreas Pereira expected to control the tempo from deep positions. Despite recent defensive lapses— no clean sheets in the last five games—their defensive line, anchored by Gustavo Gomez, aims to hold firm. In Piquerez’s absence, Jefté will step in as left-back.

Palmeiras’ strategy often involves exploiting the flanks with Raphael Veiga and Felipe Anderson, creating multiple chances and maintaining pressure on the opponent, particularly during the crucial stages around the hour mark.

Cruzeiro Team Analysis

Cruzeiro Recent Performance

Cruzeiro has had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, capturing one win, three draws, and one loss. Their recent form reads LDDDW. They managed a solid 1-0 victory against Fortaleza but were held to 1-1 draws against both Atletico MG and Sport Recife, and a goalless draw against Flamengo. However, they did suffer a 2-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama towards the end of September.

Cruzeiro’s attacking output has been relatively low, with an average of just 0.60 goals scored per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets in this span, indicating a certain robustness at the back.

Their compact defence will be tested against Palmeiras, known for its aggressive forward play. Cruzeiro’s midfield and defensive setup, orchestrated by Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva, will be pivotal in countering Palmeiras’ aggressive attack.

Cruzeiro Key Players

Cruzeiro’s squad is built around a few key players who have been instrumental in their campaign so far. Kaio Jorge is their top scorer with 15 goals, making him a vital figure in their attack. His performance will be crucial against Palmeiras’ defense.

In midfield, Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva are expected to hold the fort, providing both defensive cover and transitioning play from the back to the front. This duo will be essential in breaking up Palmeiras’ attacking moves and countering quickly.

Expected lineup for Cruzeiro:

• Goalkeeper: Cassio
• Defenders: William, Fabricio Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki
• Midfielders: Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian Cardoso, Matheus Pereira, Keny Arroyo
• Forwards: Kaio Jorge

Key battles to watch include Kaio Jorge against Gustavo Gomez, and Lucas Silva’s duel with Palmeiras’ midfield, which could have a significant impact on the match’s outcome.

Cruzeiro Suspensions & Injuries

Cruzeiro is dealing with several injury issues heading into their match against Palmeiras. Key absentees include Fagner, who is nursing an ankle injury and is expected to return in early November. They are also without Matheus Henrique, who is out for the season due to a broken rib.

Luis Sinisterra is dealing with a thigh injury and is doubtful for this match. Marquinhos, sidelined by a cruciate ligament injury, is also out for the rest of the season. These absences can affect Cruzeiro’s depth and tactical flexibility, putting more pressure on the remaining squad members.

With these injuries, Cruzeiro’s bench strength and ability to rotate players will be tested, potentially impacting their performance against a strong Palmeiras side.

Cruzeiro Tactics and Formation

Cruzeiro Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kaio Jorge

Cruzeiro will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing a solid defensive setup and quick transitions to attack. Kaio Jorge, their top scorer with 15 goals, will spearhead the attack, looking to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities.

In midfield, Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva will anchor the defensive midfield roles, tasked with breaking up Palmeiras’ attacking plays and facilitating quick transitions. This duo will be crucial in providing cover for the defense and linking up with the attacking trio of Christian Cardoso, Matheus Pereira, and Keny Arroyo.

Defensively, Cruzeiro has kept two clean sheets in their last five games, showcasing a competent backline. The defensive unit, led by Fabricio Bruno and Lucas Villalba, will need to be at their best to withstand Palmeiras’ attacking prowess.

Palmeiras vs Cruzeiro Head-to-Head Statistics

The recent head-to-head encounters between Palmeiras and Cruzeiro have been competitive and closely contested. In their last five meetings, the results have varied:

• 2025-06-01: Cruzeiro 2 – 1 Palmeiras, Serie A
• 2024-12-05: Cruzeiro 1 – 2 Palmeiras, Serie A
• 2024-07-21: Palmeiras 2 – 0 Cruzeiro, Serie A
• 2023-12-07: Cruzeiro 1 – 1 Palmeiras, Serie A
• 2023-08-14: Palmeiras 1 – 0 Cruzeiro, Serie A

From these results, Palmeiras has won three times, drawn once, and lost once against Cruzeiro. These statistics indicate a slight edge for Palmeiras in recent matchups.

Palmeiras will look to continue their dominance at the Allianz Parque, leveraging their home advantage. Meanwhile, Cruzeiro will aim to improve their record and gain crucial points in the league standings. This sets the stage for another intriguing clash between these two sides.

Odds accurate as of 25.10.2025 00:30, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.