Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: December 14, 2025 | Neo Química Arena | Copa Betano do Brasil | 21:00 GMT

Corinthians play host this time in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-finals, where they enter the game with a 1-0 aggregate advantage over visitors Cruzeiro. With a place in the final on the line, expect fireworks in this match, where both sides will be searching for the first goal from the outset of the game. No matter who scores it, the other side will need to grab the next goal just as much, so it seems like there is a fairly clear bet worth putting on considering how closely matched these two are likely to be.

Key Betting Tips: BTTS at 1.95 odds on Parimatch, or 1.87 odds on BoyleSports represent good value based on the tip provided by Football Park's advanced algorithm.

Given how much is on the line for both sides, we expect them both to really be having a go at the other's net. Corinthians will need a goal for breathing room, whereas Cruzeiro are chasing the tie and need a goal to even things out. This seems like a pretty safe bet with good odds.

Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Predicted Lineups

Corinthians Predicted XI (4-4-2): Hugo Souza, Matheus Bidu, Gustavo Henrique, André Ramalho, Matheuzinho; Breno Bidon, Maycon, José Martínez, André Carrillo; Gui Negao, Memphis Depay

Raniele missed out on the first leg through injury, but Yuri Alberto had to come off after 65 minutes with apparent discomfort. It now seems that he has a muscle injury, so while neither of these two are guaranteed to be unfit, both of their positions in the line-up are in doubt heading into it.

Cruzeiro Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Cássio; Kaiki, Jonathan Jesus, Fabrício Bruno, William; Lucas Silva, Walace; Keny Arroyo, Matheus Pereira, Christian; Kaio Jorge

Similar to Alberto for the opposition, Lucas Villalba was forced off early through injury in the first leg, so is likely to miss out of this game as a result. Also in doubt is Wanderson, whereas Marquinhos is a confirmed absence for the rest of the season. Holding midfielder Lucas Daniel Romero has accumulated too many yellow cards, thus missing this crucial fixture as he serves his suspension.

Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Current Standings

Considering final league positions in the Serie A this season, the fact that Corinthians have the lead in this tie comes as something of a surprise. The hosts finished the campaign in 13th, only just securing a place in the Copa Sudamericana for next season, and only four points away from relegation. Cruzeiro, however finished up in third, with 23 more points than their semi-final opponents and guaranteed qualification for the Copa Libertadores. As a result, they're probably the stronger side on paper, but it all depends on how they perform on the day. This is now just as much of a mental battle as it is one of ability.

Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Head-to-Head Timeline

This is a fixture that is pretty evenly matched historically, as much as it is recently. Both sides have taken two wins and a draw from their five most recent encounters, but when Cruzeiro win, they tend to do it more emphatically than their opposite number. As a result, the total tally is still swinging only just in favour of Corinthians, who have managed to win 13 times against Cruzeiro, who themselves are just behind on 12 wins. Six games between them have ended level, so the potential for an even scoreline is still there, but we typically see one side or the other prevail.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

• December 11, 2025: Cruzeiro 0-1 Corinthians (Copa do Brasil)
• November 23, 2025: Cruzeiro 3-0 Corinthians (Serie A)
• July 23, 2025: Corinthians 0-0 Cruzeiro (Serie A)
• November 20, 2024: Corinthians 2-1 Cruzeiro (Serie A)
• July 7, 2024: Cruzeiro 3-0 Corinthians (Serie A)

Corinthians and Cruzeiro Recent Matches Analysis

Corinthians Last 5 Matches:

• Corinthians 1-0 Cruzeiro (A) - Copa do Brasil
• Corinthians 1-1 Juventude (H) - Serie A
• Corinthians 1-2 Fortaleza (A) - Serie A
• Corinthians 2-2 Botafogo (H) - Serie A
• Corinthians 0-3 Cruzeiro (A) - Serie A

Funnily enough, the only win Corinthians have managed to register in their last five games is against their next opponent. Two draws and two losses in that time is pretty poor form to have gone into a two-legged semi-final with, but all they'll care about is the 1-0 aggregate lead they were able to earn away at Cruzeiro. They've scored five goals in their last five, which isn't a massively convincing record to hold in front of goal, and they may well be concerned about their defensive stats, where they conceded eight goals in four games. The record was rescued by a clean sheet in the first leg, but their other games tell us there is a good chance of goals in this one.

Cruzeiro Last 5 Matches:

• Cruzeiro 0-1 Corinthians (H) - Copa do Brasil
• Cruzeiro 0-3 Santos (A) - Serie A
• Cruzeiro 2-2 Botafogo (H) - Serie A
• Cruzeiro 1-1 Ceara (A) - Serie A
• Cruzeiro 3-0 Corinthians (H) - Serie A

Funnily enough again, the only win Cruzeiro have picked up in their last five was against Corinthians, just not in the game that mattered most. Their end of season form was poor to say the least, failing to win in their final three outings, including a 3-0 defeat to Santos in a pretty big upset that helped Neymar's side survive relegation. They've only just improved on their opponents goalscoring record, with six goals in their last five, but what's worrying is that they haven't scored in two games now. They'll need to avoid making that three in a row, just as they'll need to avoid letting their defensive record get any worse; six goals conceded in four games isn't very good for a side of their calibre this season.

Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with a 63.30% confidence in BTTS. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: BTTS @ 1.95 odds on Parimatch - When a semi-final second leg is teed up like this, predicting a winner can be a very risky game to play, but when you consider how much both sides need a goal, BTTS starts to look like a pretty likely outcome with good odds.

Key Players to Watch: Corinthians vs Cruzeiro

Memphis Depay (Corinthians): In big games, you look for big players, and that is exactly what Memphis Depay brings to the table for Corinthians. Boasting experience in top flights across Europe, the Dutchman is exactly the kind of player you want on your side going into such an important tie, especially considering he netted the only goal of the match in the first leg.

Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro): I genuinely can't believe Pereira is only 29-years old. Once a star at West Brom, he made the move to the Saudi League, which didn't end up being an especially productive period for him on the pitch. He's found his footing again back home in Brazil, though, with some excellent performances across the season for Cruzeiro. With 16 goal involvements in all competitions this season, the most recent of which coming in a draw against Botafogo, there's a good chance that Pereira will cause some serious problems for Corinthians.

Corinthians vs Cruzeiro Match Facts

Broadcast Details: Premier Sports Player or Premier Sports 2 UK

Referee: TBC

Stadium Information: Located in Sao Paolo, Brazil, the Neo Química Arena has a capacity of 48,905, and was used for six fixtures in the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

Corinthians vs Cruzeiro: Final Prediction

Corinthians 1-1 Cruzeiro