International has one foot in the Copa Libertadores when they look to capture their first consecutive victories in the Brasileiro this week against Cuiaba. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio Presidente Eurico Gaspar Dutra, with kickoff at 1 am.
Caxias edged Londrina 2-1 this past weekend, a result that allowed them to move above Fluminense, who lost 3-0 to Palmeiras on Saturday, who are now seventh.
There is no doubt that their stint in the top flight has boosted the team from Mato Grosso. Playing every week against some of Brazil’s best teams is a harsh environment for a newly promoted team, but it has allowed them to compete against Brazil’s finest players.
Sometimes you find yourself up against it, and it is how you deal with the adversity that ultimately decides your fate. Cuiaba should have put themselves out of sight on four occasions but failed to convert their chances, and on each occasion, Corinthians made them pay for that profligacy.
Internacional has been a formidable force at Estadio Beira-Rio, where they have won seven of their last eight home league matches. Still, they have struggled against winning sides there, losing six of the last eight league encounters with teams above them in the table.
The 3-1 victory over Fluminense was a much-needed boost in the fight for a place next season.
Cuiaba vs Internacional Head to Head
Both sides have three games against each other with opponents taking one win and two draws. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Corinthians 3-2 Cuiaba
- Ceara SC 1-0 Cuiaba
- Cuiaba 0-0 Chapecoense
- Cuiba 1-0 Red Bull Braganinto
- Atletico Mineiro 2-1 Cuiaba
Away
- Internacional 2-1 Athletico Paranaense
- Juventude 2-1 Internacional
- Internacional 1-0 Gremio
- Sao Paoulo 1-0 Internacional
- Internacional 2-2 Corinthians
Cuiaba Team News
The absence of striker Fred didn’t deter Sao Paulo from tallying at home. Paulo gave the club a 1-0 lead over Corinthians in the 34th minute. The center back turned a cross into a goal that put him into a tie for third on the team with Jonathan Cafu and Pepe.
Internacional Team News
With Cruzeiro stretched to its limits due to injuries and suspensions, interim coach Fábio Carille is expected to make no less than five changes in the starting line-up that will face Paraguayan side Club Libertad in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.
Rodrigo Moledo and Bruno Mendes will miss out on cruciate ligament rupture and a hamstring injury, respectively. Meanwhile, Victor Cuesta will have to sit this one out after getting a yellow card in the previous leg.
Prediction and Odds
Both sides will be looking to build on consistency; hence a share of spoils is more likely.
- Draw
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Under 3.5
