Atlético Goianiense vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Coutinho's arrival motivates Vasco

Vasco da Gama fans are possibly the ones who suffer the most in Brazilian football. The Giant has the fifth largest fan base in the country and the second in Rio de Janeiro. Vasco has a successful history but hasn't won a national trophy in 13 years. The team is enjoying a good moment, with four games without a loss, and has just announced the return of a player adored by everyone at the club. Philippe Coutinho is now a Vasco player and will try to put the club back where it belongs.

The Dragon has now gone seven games without a win. The Goiânia side is in penultimate place in the table with eleven points, three more than Fluminense. Coach Vagner Mancini debuted at the Allianz Parque against Palmeiras with a 3-1 defeat, but the team showed some positive signs in the game against the champion. The next match with Vasco da Gama is a determinant of the club. The opponent is motivated and hasn't lost in four games, but the Goianos need points.

After 14 years, the Cruzmaltino defeated Corinthians. Vasco da Gama won 2-0 with goals from Lucas Piton in the 55th minute and Sforza in the 95th minute. Sforza's direct free kick was magnificent. The team led by interim coach Rafael Paiva has shown considerable solidity. Vasco da Gama is now in 11th place, the highest point it has reached in the Brasileirão over the last year and a half. Philippe Coutinho has been out of action for two months and is not fit to play yet. Even so, the former Barcelona player's arrival at Vasco motivates everyone at the club, even without playing. The Cariocas will fight for victory in Goiânia.

It's a game with a difficult outcome to predict. Atlético Goianiense hasn't won in seven games, and Vasco da Gama hasn't lost in four, so there's no doubt who's in better form. However, that doesn't mean much in a league where surprising results happen every week. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Vasco da Gama, as it covers two possible outcomes in a game where anything can happen.