Grêmio host Cruzeiro on October 18 in round 31 of Brazil’s Serie A, with points needed for very different reasons. Grêmio are 18th on 31 points and are trying to climb out of the relegation zone after six matches without a win. Cruzeiro sit sixth with 48 points, but arrive after a 4-2 defeat to Bragantino. The match at Arena do Grêmio brings together a home side searching for a response and visitors whose recent games have regularly featured goals. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 local time.

Grêmio’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Grêmio have drawn their last three matches, most recently finishing 1-1 against Internacional on October 11. Their last five games have produced three draws and two defeats, with averages of 1.0 goal scored and 1.4 conceded per match. Renato Gaúcho is still looking for an improvement after taking charge late in a difficult season.

Grêmio’s Serie A record stands at seven wins, ten draws and 13 losses, with averages of 1.1 goals scored and 1.3 conceded. Their most recent league victory came in August, a 3-1 home win over Chapecoense. Three points here would give them a chance to leave the relegation zone, so the need to turn draws into a victory is particularly pressing.

Renato will be without defender Wallace, who collected a third yellow card against Internacional. Gustavo Martins is described as the preferred option to take his place, while Balbuena is also available. Dodi returns as an option after serving a suspension. Those choices come at an important time for a side that has struggled to regain momentum.

Cruzeiro’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Cruzeiro have won three and lost two of their last five matches. Across that spell, they have averaged 2.2 goals scored and 1.6 conceded, showing both their scoring potential and the defensive problems highlighted by the 4-2 loss at Bragantino on October 13. Their wider league record is 14 wins, six draws and ten defeats, with averages of 1.5 goals scored and 1.5 conceded.

The visitors’ scoring streak is one of the clearest trends ahead of this Grêmio vs Cruzeiro preview. Cruzeiro have found the net in each of their last 14 matches and in each of their last 12 away games in Serie A. Their last 14 matches have all contained more than 1.5 total goals, and every one of those games has featured at least one second-half goal. The pattern points to a side that continues to create scoring moments even when results fluctuate.

There is a concern about how Cruzeiro begin away league matches: they have been behind at half-time in each of their last four on the road in Serie A. Artur Jorge’s side will also be without Gabriel Pec and Sinisterra, who remain in the medical department. The visitors are aiming to strengthen their push for direct Copa Libertadores qualification, while looking for a better performance after the defeat to Bragantino.

Grêmio vs Cruzeiro Match Analysis

The teams’ positions suggest contrasting seasons, but neither arrives with a straightforward case for victory. Grêmio’s six-game winless run and five-match league form underline the challenge facing the hosts. Cruzeiro have taken nine points from their last five matches, yet have also conceded eight goals across that period. Grêmio’s urgency at home meets a Cruzeiro attack with a sustained scoring record.

The previous Serie A meeting ended 2-0 to Cruzeiro on April 18. In the supplied five-match head-to-head summary, Grêmio have no wins, one draw and four defeats, averaging 0.4 goals scored and 2.0 conceded. That record favors the visitors, although Grêmio did win a separate midyear friendly 3-1. The competitive meeting and the friendly offer different reference points rather than a clear guide to this fixture.

Goals are central to the outlook. Grêmio’s recent averages show they have both scored and conceded across their last five matches, while Cruzeiro have scored in 21 of their last 22 Serie A games. The visitors’ run of goals in 12 consecutive away league fixtures adds to the prospect of them finding the net again. Grêmio, meanwhile, have a strong incentive to press for a result rather than settle for another draw. With Cruzeiro’s recent concessions also in view, a goal at each end fits the available evidence better than a firm call on the winner.

Grêmio vs Cruzeiro prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 57% probability.