Fluminense v Cruzeiro, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: July 17, 2025 | Estadio Do Maracana | Brazilian Série A | 00:30 GMT

Fluminense welcome high‑flying Cruzeiro to the Maracanã on Thursday night in a meeting of two sides with very different momentum. Cruzeiro arrive second in the table on 27 points from 13 games, six behind leaders Flamengo, while Fluminense sit seventh with 20 points but hold two matches in hand after their Club World Cup adventure.

Cruzeiro’s 4‑1 demolition of Grêmio on Sunday continued an impressive league campaign. Fluminense, by contrast, are returning to domestic duty after facing European opposition: they beat Al Hilal and Internazionale before falling 2‑0 to Chelsea in the Club World Cup semi‑final.

Key Betting Tip: Fluminense win @ 2.20 (Ladbrokes)

Fluminense v Cruzeiro Predicted Lineups

Fluminense possible starting lineup:

Fabio; Thiago Santos, Ignacio, Thiago Silva; Gaga, Rene, Hercules, Facundo Bernal; Nonato; Jhon Arias, German Cano

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:

Cassio; William, Bruno, Villaba, Kaiki; Romero, Silva; Christian, Pereira, Wanderson; Jorge

Current League Standings

Fluminense sit 7th in the Brasileiro Seira A with 20 points from 11 matches played (W6, D2, L3).

Cruzeiro are in 2nd with 27 points, having played 13 games, two more than Fluminense ( W8, D3, L2).

Fluminense v Cruzeiro Head-to-Head Timeline

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

04.10.24 Fluminense 1-0 Cruzeiro

20.06.24 Cruzeiro 2-0 Fluminense

21.09.23 Fluminense 1-0 Cruzeiro

11.05.23 Cruzeiro 0-2 Fluminense

13.07.22 Cruzeiro 0-3 Fluminense

With four wins from the last five meeting Fluminense hold the better record over the previous meetings between the two clubs

Fluminense last 5 matches:

Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea

Fluminense 2-1 Hilal

Inter Milan 0-2 Fluminense

Mamelodi 0-0 Fluminense

Fluminense 4-2 Ulsan

Cruzeiro last 5 matches:

Cruzeiro 1-0 Banfield

Cruzeiro 0-1 Def y Justicia

Vitoria 0-0 Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro 2-1 Palmeiras

Cruzeiro 0-0 Union

Fluminense v Cruzeiro Predictions

Cruzeiro come in fresher and in better domestic rhythm, yet Fluminense’s home record (five wins from seven at the Maracanã this season) and new confidence off of the back of a strong campaign at the Club World Cup could be enough to see Fluminense really kickstart their league push with games in hand.

Fluminense also boasts a strong record against Cruzeiro, The away side has only managed to pick up one victory against Fluminense in the last 10 meetings between the two.

However, Cruziero have made a promising start and sit second, so it should be an entertaining game on Thursday night.

Along with our main tip of a home victory for Fluminense, I also advise a stake on BTTS given the importance of all three points for both sides.

Key Players To Watch: Fluminense v Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge has been on fine form, bagging 11 goals so far this season and will be a threat for the away side.

Fluminense will be looking for their creative spark Jhon Arias to add to his four assists so far. Kevin Serna will also be one to watch if involved, as he has four goals in five appearances.

Match Facts

Referee: To be confirmed

Broadcast:  Bet365, Paramount+ (USA & Canada)