Bahia vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Two relegation candidates face off in Salvador

Bahia and Vasco played in the Série B last season and are trying to avoid a return to the lower division. Therefore, the two teams know each other well, having finished with the same number of points last year. In the Série A, Bahia is doing slightly better, in 16th place with 21 points, one place above the relegation zone. Vasco da Gama is in 18th place, inside the Z4, with 16 points but a game in hand. In Round 3, the Baianos went to Rio to beat Vasco 1-0. The match is extremely important for both teams, as whoever wins will damage its direct opponent.

The Tricolor Baiano couldn't hold on against leader Botafogo and lost 3-0 in the last round. Diego Costa scored his first two goals in a Glorioso shirt. The result shouldn't take away from the team's confidence, as they left the Nilton Santos, like every team that has visited Botafogo in this league, with a defeat. Bahia has strong support from its fans and will be aiming for another home win after surprisingly beating Bragantino 4-0 in Round 20.

The Cruzmaltino put in a good performance at the Allianz Parque against Palmeiras, losing by just one goal. The Carioca team has improved its defensive levels recently, with Gary Medel's experience coming in handy. Away from home, Vasco has only managed one win in the Série A, and until the team picks up more away points, it's unlikely to get out of the relegation zone. This match against Bahia has the importance of a final for the Cariocas, as a win puts Vasco two points clear of their opponents, with a game still to play. A defeat at the Arena Fonte Nova would increase the gap to Bahia to eight points, psychologically damaging for the team.

Bahia has netted 18 goals at their home stadium, the fourth-best home goal-scoring record. The Tricolor will also have 40000 fans helping out, so it will be another hurdle that Vasco da Gama will have to overcome in this match. The Cariocas will need to be at a high level to get a good result. I'm betting on the home team with a Double Chance and Total Goals Under 3.5.