**Cruzeiro's got momentum, São Paulo's limping into Belo Horizonte looking vulnerable.** This is a statement opportunity for the hosts against a side missing key defenders and riding a rough patch. 🔴

Cruzeiro have won two of their last three at home, including that 3-1 rout of Athletico. São Paulo's defense is threadbare — **D. Duarte** out long-term, **A. Buta** sidelined, and coach decisions benching two more — meaning **R. Arboleda** and **Sabino** will have to do heavy lifting. The visitors' away form is dire (1W 3L in last five), and Cruzeiro's **K. Jorge** and **Wesley** have been clinical up top lately.

Key storylines:

- **Cruzeiro's home form** vs São Paulo's depleted backline — a mismatch waiting to happen
- **K. Jorge** looking to keep his hot streak going against a patched-together defense
- **Gerson** and **L. Romero** controlling midfield against a stretched **Newton** and **L. Ramon**

Expected lineups:

- **Cruzeiro**: Otávio, G. Rojas, F. Bruno, J. Marcelo, Fagner, Gerson, L. Romero, Wesley, M. Pereira, K. Arroyo, K. Jorge
- **São Paulo**: C. Coronel, Wendell, R. Arboleda, Sabino, L. Ramon, Newton, M. Antônio, P. Maia, Victor Sá, J. Calleri, Artur

Prediction:

**Cruzeiro 2–0 São Paulo**. The hosts have the edge at home, and São Paulo's injury crisis tips the scales decisively.