Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro Prediction: The Cariocas need to get a win

Vasco da Gama has had disappointing performances in the Brasileirão, giving worrying signals to its fans, who don't see any improvement with the arrival of the new coach. The Giant has the worst defense in the league, with 19 goals conceded, an average of more than 2 per game. The Cariocas occupy 14th place thanks to two wins in eight games. In the remaining six fixtures, they suffered six defeats.

After a humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Flamengo, Vasco da Gama needed to give a more positive image in the match with Palmeiras. The Brazilian champion won easily 2-0, so the Cariocas didn't improve convincingly. The result didn't come as a surprise, but at least the team avoided another crushing defeat, which could affect the players' confidence even more. In the first two matches under Álvaro Pacheco, the Cruzmaltino scored one goal and conceded eight. The upcoming game with Cruzeiro isn't decisive, but it could help to restore the team's confidence levels.

With some suffering, the Fox beat Cuiabá 2-1 at home in the last round. Matheus Pereira scored both of Cruzeiro's goals, showing again that he is the team's best player. The Miners are off to a good start in the Série A, occupying 7th place in the standings. Considering that the squad is nowhere near the same quality as ten years ago when it won the title for the last time, Cruzeiro's performance has to be considered positive. Coach Fernando Seabra is doing a good job. Getting points at the São Januário is possible, and the Fox will travel to Rio de Janeiro with that in mind.

The teams are going through opposite moments. While Vasco da Gama has yet to win under its new manager, Cruzeiro has won six of its last seven matches. Vasco's two straight defeats were against Flamengo and Palmeiras, therefore higher-level opponents. The home defeat to Flamengo was at the Maracaná and not at the stadium where the Giant feels more comfortable. Vasco won in the last two games at the São Januário, so I'm leaning towards the home team not losing. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of the Cariocas with a maximum of three goals scored.