Atletico PR v Santa Cruz – Brazil Serie A Betting Preview + Prediction
04 Jun 2016, Arena da Baixada, 19:00 GMT +0
After 5 matches played in this year’s Serie A, today’s visiting team seems in a much better position compared to Atletico. But it’s only the start of the season, so it does not mean much.
Atletico PR have failed to win the opening 3 matches against Palmerias (4:0), Atletico MG (1:1) and Botafogo (2:1). After the disappointing firs 3 matches, Atletico bounced back with a win against Figueirense (2:1) and a close defeat against league leaders Internacional (1:0). We must mention, that the last defeat was somewhat unlucky, especially taking into account, that Internacional only managed to have 1 shot on goal in the whole 90′. Whereas Atletico PR had 4 of them. They are without the suspended defender Eduardo, because he’s already been yellow carded four times in just four matches. Their other absentee is centre back Cleberson, he was replaced before half time in last week’s match.
Santa Cruz is a team that got promoted to Serie A, after finishing 2nd in Serie B. Looking at opening 5 matches of this season, they managed to get 8 points, with 2 draws and 2 wins. However, the last match played resulted in a loss at home against Sport Recife (0:1). Looking at statistic from that match, Santa Cruz had zero to none chance to get all 3 points. With 43% possession and 0 shots on target, there was only 1 way that match could end. They have more issues than the home team, because there is no Wellington Cezar, Roberto, Arthur, Keno, Renathino. Whereas Neris and Vitor are expected to be ready, but it’s not 100%.
Comparing last season’s 33 points at home for Atletico to only 21 points o the road in Serie B for Santa Cruz, it’s clear Atletico is playing much better at home that Santa Cruz on the road. Also a big factor to take into account here is that, these teams played in different leagues, Santa Cruz being in a lower division. How will Santa Cruz fair in Serie A, remains to be seen, as it is too early into the season to know that. Atletico will have an advantage of home ground in this match, which was a big factor in last years journey for Atletico. Playing against freshly promoted team, that has not shown any great performances on the road, we believe Atletico will be able to win this one with at least a goal difference.
Prediction: Atletico PR -0.75
Odds: 1.90 Pinnacle
