Vasco da Gama vs Bahia Prediction: The Baianos still dream of the Copa Libertadores

Tenth-placed Vasco da Gama welcomes seventh-placed Bahia in a game expected to be balanced. The Cariocas are six points above the Z4, and if they win, they can practically confirm their season's target of avoiding relegation. Bahia is enjoying an overall good season, although its performance has declined in the league's second half. The Baianos still hope to qualify for the Copa Libertadores, but they must finish sixth to do it. There's a possibility that seventh and eighth place could also grant access to the legendary competition, depending on who wins the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.

The Giant suffered but beat Cuiabá at home in the last round. Hugo Moura scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute. Vasco da Gama didn't play well and only defended after taking the lead. The Cariocas hadn't won for eight matches and were nervous, struggling against the penultimate team in the standings. The victory was essential, and the team can now play more confidently. The upcoming fixture won't be easy, but Vasco can win. The Cruzmaltino is strong at the São Januário, where only three teams have won in this edition of the Série A.

The Steel Squadron drew 1-1 away to Cruzeiro with a good display. Ceni's team has not been consistent in recent months but appeared more confident in Belo Horizonte. Cruzeiro opened the scoring through Gabriel Veron in the 61st minute, but the Baianos reacted and equalized in the 82nd minute through Luciano Rodríguez, the most expensive signing in the club's history. The Tricolor tried to win, but the match ended in a draw. Bahia is five points behind São Paulo, sixth in the table, so it needs points against Vasco da Gama.

The Baianos played well away against Cruzeiro in the last round, so they'll be going to Rio in search of a good result. However, it's hard to win at the São Januário, where Vasco receives strong support from its fans. The victory against Cuiabá gave the Cariocas more confidence after a winless streak. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Vasco, with a maximum of three goals scored in the match.