Cruzeiro vs. Internacional Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 23 August 2025

As Cruzeiro take on Internacional in this crucial Serie A clash on 23 August 2025, both sides will be keen to secure vital points. Cruzeiro are currently sitting third in the table with 38 points, while Internacional lag behind in 12th with 24 points.

Cruzeiro have shown solid form at home, scoring in 90% of their matches, and are favourites to win with odds of 1.73. With top scorer Kaio Jorge netting 14 goals and influential midfielder Matheus Pereira amassing six assists, they are well-positioned to continue their dominant home performance.

Internacional, on the other hand, have struggled recently, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games.

Given the strong home advantage and the form of key players, a recommended bet is for Cruzeiro to win. Keep an eye on Kaio Jorge, who remains a standout player this season.

Cruzeiro vs Internacional Prediction & Betting tip

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Cruzeiro vs Internacional Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Cruzeiro to win	1.73

• Cruzeiro have scored in 90% of their home matches this season, showcasing their strong home performance.
• Internacional is struggling defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games.
• Cruzeiro’s Kaio Jorge is in excellent form, being the top scorer in Serie A with 14 goals this season.

Given these factors—especially Cruzeiro’s robust home form and Internacional’s defensive issues—a bet on Cruzeiro to win stands out as a solid choice.

Cruzeiro vs Internacional Odds

When Cruzeiro face Internacional on 23 August 2025, they come in as the bookmaker favourites. Here are the odds for the match:
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Cruzeiro vs Internacional Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Cruzeiro to win	1.73
Draw	3.39
Internacional to win	5.02

Cruzeiro’s odds of 1.73 reflect their strong home form, having scored in 90% of their home matches this season. Given their current third position in the table and their robust defensive record, they are expected to continue their dominant home performance.

In contrast, Internacional’s odds of 5.02 indicate their recent struggles, including not keeping a clean sheet in their last five games. A draw, priced at 3.39, offers a middle-ground option but seems less likely considering Cruzeiro’s form.

These odds underscore Cruzeiro’s favourable position going into this match. Given Cruzeiro’s strong offensive and defensive metrics, placing a bet on them to win could be a smart choice.

Cruzeiro Team Analysis

Cruzeiro Recent Performance:

Cruzeiro have shown a mixed bag of results in their last five outings, recording two wins, two draws, and one loss. Here’s a breakdown of their recent matches:

• 1-1 vs Mirassol (Away, Serie A)
• 1-2 vs Santos FC (Home, Serie A)
• 2-0 vs CRB (Away, Cup)
• 2-0 vs Botafogo RJ (Away, Serie A)
• 0-0 vs CRB (Home, Cup)

Cruzeiro have a solid defensive record, boasting three clean sheets in their last five games and an average of 0.8 goals conceded per match. Offensively, they have scored an average of 1.20 goals per game in their recent fixtures.

Key players like top scorer Kaio Jorge, with 14 goals, and playmaker Matheus Pereira, with six assists, have been instrumental for Cruzeiro. Their ability to score in 90% of their home matches this season further underscores their strong home performance.

Overall, Cruzeiro’s balanced attack and defense positions them well for this crucial encounter against Internacional.

Cruzeiro Key Players

Cruzeiro will rely heavily on their star players as they aim for a strong performance against Internacional. Here are the key players to watch:
Kaio Jorge: As the top scorer in Serie A with 14 goals, he remains a crucial offensive weapon. His ability to find the back of the net could be decisive.
Matheus Pereira: The playmaker has been a standout performer with six assists, making him the second-highest in the league. His creativity in midfield will be key in unlocking Internacional’s defense.
Defensive Duo: Fabricio Bruno and Lucas Villalba have been solid at the back, contributing to Cruzeiro’s three clean sheets in their last five matches.

Expected lineup for Cruzeiro:

• Goalkeeper: Cassio
• Defenders: Jonathan Jesus, Fabricio Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki
• Midfielders: Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian Cardoso, Matheus Pereira, Wanderson
• Forward: Kaio Jorge

Keep an eye on these players as their individual battles could very well decide the outcome of this fixture.

Cruzeiro Suspensions & Injuries

Cruzeiro will be dealing with a few notable absences due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Internacional. Here’s the situation:

• Joao Marcelo: Out with a knee injury, expected to return in early October 2025.
• Fagner: Sidelined with an ankle injury, he is slated to return in late September 2025.
• William: Doubtful for the match due to a knee injury.
• Marquinhos: Doubtful owing to a thigh injury.

These absences are particularly concerning in defence and midfield, as both Joao Marcelo and Fagner are key components of the backline. This might put additional pressure on players like Fabricio Bruno and Lucas Villalba to hold the fort. Additionally, the potential absence of William and Marquinhos could limit Leonardo Jardim’s options for squad rotation and strategy adaptation.

Cruzeiro Tactics and Formation

Cruzeiro Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kaio Jorge, top scorer with 14 goals this season.
• Midfield Mastery: Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva in the defensive midfield roles, with Matheus Pereira as the creative force, boasting six assists.
• Defensive Solidity: Fabricio Bruno and Lucas Villalba anchor a defence that has kept three clean sheets in the last five games.

Notable Strategy:

• Cruzeiro typically employs a balanced approach with strong central midfield control. They focus on building attacks from the back, using the wings when necessary.
• During the 61-75 minute interval, Cruzeiro often ramps up their offensive pressure, a period where they have seen significant success in scoring.

Cruzeiro’s ability to maintain a compact shape defensively while releasing their attacking players in bursts has been key to their recent performances.

Internacional Team Analysis

Internacional Recent Performance:

Internacional have had a tough run in their last five matches, registering one win, one draw, and three losses. Here’s a breakdown of their recent fixtures:

• 0-2 vs Flamengo (Home, Copa Libertadores Final Stage)
• 1-3 vs Flamengo (Home, Serie A)
• 0-1 vs Flamengo (Away, Copa Libertadores Final Stage)
• 3-1 vs Red Bull Bragantino (Away, Serie A)
• 1-1 vs Fluminense (Away, Cup)

Despite their struggles, Internacional have managed to score an average of 1.00 goals per game in these recent matches. However, defensively, they have failed to keep a single clean sheet, conceding an average of 1.3 goals.

This leaky defence does not bode well for their upcoming match against Cruzeiro, a team boasting one of the league’s top scorers, Kaio Jorge. Given their current form, Internacional will need a significant tactical turnaround to overcome their odds.

Internacional Key Players

Internacional will need their key players to step up if they are to overcome Cruzeiro. Here are some of the standout players to watch:
Rafael Santos Borre: As Internacional’s top scorer with 4 goals this season, Borre’s striking ability will be crucial. Facing a robust Cruzeiro defense, his role in converting chances will be pivotal.
Alan Patrick: A vital playmaker in the midfield, Alan Patrick has consistently been involved in orchestrating Internacional’s attacks. His link-up play with Borre and other forwards will be essential in breaking down Cruzeiro’s defense.
Defensive Core: Vitao and Juninho in central defense will have to be at their best to handle Cruzeiro’s potent attack, particularly Kaio Jorge.

Expected lineup for Internacional:

• Goalkeeper: Sergio Rochet
• Defenders: Braian Aguirre, Vitao, Juninho, Alexandro Bernabei
• Midfielders: Alan Rodriguez, Thiago Maia, Alan Patrick, Bruno Tabata, Wesley
• Forward: Rafael Borre

These key individual battles on the pitch could very well decide the outcome of this crucial fixture. Keep an eye on how Borre matches up against Fabricio Bruno and Lucas Villalba.

Internacional Suspensions & Injuries

Internacional will have to navigate around several key absences due to injuries and suspensions for their match against Cruzeiro. Here’s the current status:

• Bruno Gomes: Out with a cruciate ligament injury, anticipated to return in early October 2025.
• Lucca Drummond: Recovering from knee surgery, expected back in mid-September 2025.
• Ivan: Dealing with a meniscus injury, potential return set for early September 2025.
• Gabriel Mercado: Sidelined with a calf injury, expected to return in early September 2025.
• Enner Valencia: Suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, missing the upcoming match.

These absences could significantly impact Internacional, especially in defense and midfield. Bruno Gomes and Gabriel Mercado’s injuries will test the depth of the squad, and Valencia’s suspension leaves a gap in their attacking options. This might force Roger Machado to rely on less experienced players, affecting the team’s overall dynamics against a strong Cruzeiro side.

Internacional Tactics and Formation

Internacional Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Rafael Santos Borre, who is the team’s top scorer with 4 goals.
• Midfield Trio: Alan Patrick as the playmaker, supported by Alan Rodriguez and Thiago Maia in the defensive midfield roles.
• Defensive Configuration: A backline featuring Braian Aguirre, Vitao, Juninho, and Alexandro Bernabei.

Notable Strategy:

• Internacional tends to rely on a balanced approach with emphasis on possession-based football, often looking to exploit spaces on the wings.
• Given their recent defensive struggles, maintaining a solid backline will be crucial. Expect the team to deploy a more cautious strategy, especially in the opening stages.
• Alan Patrick’s creativity in the midfield will be crucial for breaking down Cruzeiro’s defense and creating opportunities for Borre and the wingers, Tabata and Wesley.

Internacional will need a cohesive team effort and tactical discipline to overcome Cruzeiro’s robust home form and attacking prowess.

Cruzeiro vs Internacional Head-to-Head Statistics

Analyzing the last five encounters between Cruzeiro and Internacional gives us an insightful overview:

• Internacional 3-0 Cruzeiro (2025-04-06, Serie A)
• Cruzeiro 0-0 Internacional (2024-08-28, Serie A)
• Internacional 1-0 Cruzeiro (2024-08-25, Serie A)
• Cruzeiro 1-2 Internacional (2023-11-05, Serie A)
• Internacional 0-0 Cruzeiro (2023-07-02, Serie A)

These results show a dominant performance by Internacional in recent clashes, having won three and drawn two. However, it’s important to note that Cruzeiro’s current form is stronger, especially at home.

Cruzeiro’s last home match against Internacional ended in a draw, but their attacking form and defensive solidity this season could turn the tide in their favor for this upcoming match. Keep an eye on Kaio Jorge and Matheus Pereira, who can make critical differences in this contest.

Odds accurate as of 21st August 2025 22:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with {any bookmaker}.