Juventude vs Cruzeiro prediction 20.11.2025 | Serie A

After two years in Serie A, Juventude are again in danger of relegation. They are currently four points behind the safety, and with only five games left, Thiago Carpini's team is running out of time. Juventude played well recently, collecting six points in the previous two matches. In the most recent outing, Carpini's team won 3-1 on the road against Vasco. The home side ended with 71% ball possession and more shots on the goal than the opponent, but the guests' significantly better efficiency was enough for all three points. 

Juventude's Rodrigo Sam received another yellow card in the previous round and will not play on Thursday against Cruzeiro. With the defender being out, Marcos Paulo should return to the starting lineup. 

Juventude have some problems with injuries too, as Nata and Gilberto are unavailable. Also, Emerson Galego and Caique Goncalves are questionable, and their status will be clearer closer to the kickoff. 

Cruzeiro went through some tough years, but now they are again among the best teams in Serie A. The title is probably unreachable, but Leonardo Jardim's team should at least comfortably secure a place in the Copa Libertadores. Cruzeiro are unbeaten in the last eight matches. In the previous game, they played 0-0 at home against Fluminense. The home side was slightly closer to victory, but neither team showed enough, especially in the attack. 

According to the Brazilian media, the Emirati football team Al Wasl is interested in Cruzeiro's head coach, Leonardo Jardim. However, it seems that the Portuguese will reject the offer and remain in Belo Horizonte. 

Cruzeiro have big problems with missing players. Keny Arroyo, Christian, Matheus Pereira, and Walace got yellow cards in the previous round and will skip the trip to Caxias do Sul. Also, Fagner, Janderson, Marquinhos, and Wanderson are injured. With so many problems, Cruzeiro will have to rely on the depth of the squad.