RB Bragantino vs São Paulo Prediction: Red Bull is in big trouble

RB Bragantino and São Paulo will meet at the Nabizão in a crucial game for the home side. Red Bull is in the relegation zone, currently in 18th place with 36 points, but is only three points from 12th place, so salvation is perfectly possible. Seabra's men depend on themselves to overcome the tricky situation, but they need victories, an outcome that hasn't happened for nine rounds.

The Massa Bruta drew 0-0 away to Atlético Goianiense, but this result can't be considered positive as it was against the last-placed team. Bragantino is struggling in attack and hasn't scored a goal in its last five matches. Indeed, the team has only conceded two goals in those games, but with an attack like that, it's impossible to win. In the final five rounds of the Brasileirão, the Bragança Paulista side has three fixtures at home and two away, and none against a title contender. Beating São Paulo would boost the confidence levels, but the Red Bull needs to step up its game and be more creative in attack.

The Tricolor is close to sealing qualification for the Copa Libertadores, and that could even happen in this round in case of victory. São Paulo has ten points over Cruzeiro with five rounds to go, so it's unlikely to lose sixth place. However, only the top four teams qualify directly for the group stage, definitely São Paulo's goal. Zubeldía's side currently has 57 points, two less than Flamengo and Internacional, so only victory matters against Bragantino. 

Bragantino desperately needs points, as it is in the relegation zone. The opposition isn't exactly easy to beat. São Paulo targets a top-four finish to qualify for the Copa Libertadores group stage, so it will seek to win. Red Bull has not scored in five games and will have to be more aggressive in attack to score against a strong defense. Anything can happen in this game, so I'll take a risk. I will bet on Bragantino winning the game with a maximum of two goals scored in the match. The home team must fight hard.