Juventude vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Juventude can take advantage of the Cariocas' poor form

Three points separate Juventude and Vasco da Gama ahead of a determinant game in the relegation battle. The greatness of the Rio de Janeiro club and its current incapacity cause constant pressure from its fans, who are not satisfied with the team's performances. Vasco has already replaced its coach in the Brasileirão, but Portuguese Álvaro Pacheco hasn't been able to improve the players' performance. Juventude has been doing well and could exploit the Cariocas' troubled moment.

The Gaúchos missed an opportunity to grab a point away against Red Bull. Bragantino opened the score after 2 minutes and looked to be having a quiet night, but the game got complicated when Jadson was shown a straight red card after 12 minutes. Juventude equalized in the 25th minute through Mandaca and found itself in a favorable position to win the match. However, the Juve failed to score a second goal despite having 65% possession. In the 82nd minute, Helinho scored his second goal to give Bragantino a hard-fought victory. The Gaúchos could have done better, and now they need to return to winning ways against Vasco.

The Giant failed to win and drew 0-0 at home against Cruzeiro. The game was disappointing, with few dangerous chances on goal. After three games in charge without any win, coach Álvaro Pacheco is already under pressure. Vasco has seven points and is in 15th place with three points less than Juventude, its next opponent, and one point above the relegation zone. However, Grêmio and Criciúma are both in the Z4 with fewer two games played than Vasco. Pablo Vegetti, the team's top scorer, is suspended for his third yellow card and will miss the game in Caxias do Sul.

There are still many rounds to play, but there's a good chance that Juventude and Vasco will have to fight to the bitter end to avoid relegation, hence the importance of this game. The Caxias do Sul team has yet to lose at home and promises to make Vasco da Gama's task difficult. The Cariocas are under intense pressure and cannot lose. A draw is a very likely outcome, but I'd rather play it safe and bet on a Double Chance in favor of Juventude, with a maximum of three goals scored in the game.