Cruzeiro vs Athletico Paranaense

Serie A's business end is still weeks away, but this meeting between Cruzeiro and Athletico-PR already carries weight. Athletico-PR sit third with 40 points from 22 games, while Cruzeiro are just behind in fifth on 39. With both eyeing a Libertadores spot, this one could shape the run-in. Cruzeiro arrive red-hot, riding a five-match winning streak under coach Artur Jorge, capped by a dramatic 2-1 win over Flamengo in which Keny Arroyo equalized before Matheus Pereira struck in stoppage time. Athletico-PR have been just as sharp, winning three of their last five, beating Santos, Vitória and Internacional, with only a heavy loss to Vitória interrupting the run. Colombian striker Kevin Viveros, the league's top scorer with 16 goals, is the man to watch. Cruzeiro hold a slim historical edge overall, but Athletico-PR won the last meeting 2-1 in March. Our prediction: 2-1