FORTALEZA, Brazil (Interstat) — A surging Cruzeiro side will look to extend its unbeaten streak against a struggling Ceará SC when the Brazilian clubs meet in a Carioca Série A fixture on Saturday.

Cruzeiro (6-5-4) enters the match at Castelão stadium riding a wave of momentum, having lost just once in its last 10 outings across all competitions. The club is fresh off a commanding 3-0 victory over Paulista on Nov. 23. Their recent form has been built on a stout defense, recording clean sheets in three of their last five matches.

In contrast, Ceará (3-5-7) is mired in a difficult patch, seeking its first win since Nov. 9. The home side is coming off a disappointing 3-0 road loss to Mirassol on Nov. 24 and has been shut out in three of its last four contests.

The most recent head-to-head encounter favors Ceará, however, which secured a 2-1 victory over Cruzeiro on July 27.

According to a projection by Interstat’s game simulator, Cruzeiro’s defensive solidity and Ceará’s offensive woes are likely to continue, with a 1-0 victory for the visiting side forecasted. The match will test whether Cruzeiro’s consistent form can prevail over Ceará’s home-field advantage and recent success in the rivalry.