Juventude vs Cruzeiro Prediction: Cruzeiro needs a miracle

Cruzeiro will travel to Caxias do Sul to face Juventude to attempt to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. The Miners are in ninth place but will only enter the competition if they finish eighth. Juventude escaped relegation and will play with confidence.

The Papo achieved the season's goal after a magnificent away win against São Paulo. The Gaúchos have been playing very well in recent games and avoided relegation. Juventude could even qualify for the Copa Sudamericana if it beats Cruzeiro. Coach Fábio Matias arrived six rounds ago with the club in the relegation zone. Juventude, in that period, has won three games, drawn two, and lost just one. The results have been good, and the team is playing offensively. Juventude fully deserves to play in the Série A next year.

Fernando Diniz is not getting the results expected at the helm of Cruzeiro. Diniz arrived at the Belo Horizonte club at the end of September and has only won two out of 14 games. The next match will probably be his last at Cruzeiro. The Fox lost 2-1 at home to Palmeiras in the previous round and now needs a victory to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. The Miners must beat Juventude while hoping that Bahia draws with Atlético Goianiense, a relegated team.

Juventude defeated São Paulo at the Morumbi and escaped relegation in style. The Caxias do Sul team is very confident and could qualify for the Copa Sudamericana if it finishes 14th at least. The Gaúchos are in 13th place with two points more than 15th-placed Fluminense. A win in the next match guarantees qualification. Cruzeiro is fighting for a place in the Copa Libertadores but must win this game and hope that Bahia doesn't beat Atlético Goianiense. The Miners haven't won in four games, so I'm backing Juventude to win.