Preview: Internacional vs. Cruzeiro - prediction, team news, lineups

Internacional will look to extend their unbeaten run to six league games when they play host to Cruzeiro on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, are aiming to record consecutive Brasileiro victories after edging out Sao Paulo in their previous fixture.

Match preview

© Reuters

Since enduring a run of four consecutive league defeats in May, Internacional have experienced an upturn in fortunes, dropping just two points in their last five matches in the top flight.

After beating Bahia, Internacional went on to play out a 1-1 away draw with Santos, before extending their unbeaten run with three consecutive Brasileiro victories.

Mano Menezes's side turned their attention to the Copa Libertadores in midweek, and it proved to be a successful outing, as they eased to a 3-1 victory over Independiente Medellin to progress to the knockout rounds as group winners.

The result also represented their fourth consecutive win in all competitions, ensuring that they head into the weekend in a confident mood.

With the visitors looking to continue their fine run of form, they will draw inspiration from the fact that they have avoided defeat in their last seven competitive meetings with Cruzeiro.

© Reuters

Cruzeiro will be rejuvenated after they ended an eight-game winless run across all competitions with a narrow 1-0 win over Sao Paulo last weekend.

A third-minute own goal from former Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha proved to be decisive, as Cruzeiro held firm to claim all three points and their first clean sheet since May 14.

Although Pepa's side are currently sitting in 12th position, they will move level on points with Internacional if they can pick up another victory on Saturday.

Since losing their first away league match of the season, Cruzeiro have embarked upon a four-game unbeaten away run in the top flight (W2, D2).

Impressively, they have racked up 11 goals in their opening five away league fixtures - only Flamengo have scored more goals on their travels in the Brasileiro this term.

Team News

© Reuters

The host are still unable to call upon the services of long-term injury absentee Gabriel, who has been sidelined since October.

After missing the midweek win over Independiente Medellin through suspension, defender Nicolas Hernandez is in line for a recall.

Mauricio marked his return from injury with a goal in Wednesday's 3-1 victory in the Copa Libertadores, and the 22-year-old is set to retain his place for Saturday's encounter.

As for the visitors, they will travel to the Estadio Beira-Rio without Ramiro, Wesley Gasolina and Rafael Bilu, who are all missing through injury.

Luciano Castan is set to return to the centre of the Cruzeiro defence after missing the win over Sao Paulo through suspension.

Experienced striker Gilberto is expected to lead the line, and he will be looking to add to his three-goal league tally for the season.

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Victor; Bustos, Vitao, Hernandez, Rene; Johnny, Romulo; Mauricio, Patrick, Wanderson; Adriano

Cruzeiro possible starting lineup:

Cabral; William, Oliveira, Castan, Marlon; Machado, Jussa, Vital; Wesley, Rodrigues, Gilberto

We say: Internacional 2-1 Cruzeiro

Internacional have fared well in their recent meetings with Cruzeiro, and with four of their five home league games this season producing a victory, we think that they will make full use of home advantage to claim all three points.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.