Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro Prediction: Vasco in trouble must beat a quiet Cruzeiro

This match has a lot of history in Brazilian soccer. These are two teams with a lot of tradition and hoping to return to their golden days. Vasco and Cruzeiro were in Série B last season. The Cariocas are going through a difficult time in the relegation zone, with much protest from the fans, which even led to the suspension of the São Januário. In the last home game, Vasco da Gama had to play in a neutral stadium without a crowd. Cruzmaltino will return to the São Januário in this round, but it is still unknown if the court will allow an audience in the stands. Cruzeiro, on the other hand, occupies a quiet place in the table. The Miners are 12th but only three points away from sixth place. In the 81 times the teams have met, Cruzeiro has the advantage with 32 wins against 21 for Vasco da Gama.

In the last round, the Hill's Giant lost the classic at Botafogo's stadium. The defeat was predictable since Botafogo is the lone leader of the Brasileirão and has won all of its home games so far. Vasco is in 18th position, three points behind 16th Corinthians, the first team out of the relegation zone. In other words, a win in this game could bring the Cariocas closer to exiting the Z4 and perhaps pacify their fans. In their last home match, Vasco beat Cuiabá 1-0, with a penalty goal at 77'. Without making a great display, victory was achieved. More important than playing well, at this point, is to get the three points.

The Fox is tactically a team above the average. With 15 goals scored and only 11 conceded, Cruzeiro's team shows organization and solidity. The team coached by Pepa is the second-best defense in the Brasileirão; only the leader Botafogo has conceded fewer goals. In the last three games, Cruzeiro scored one goal and one conceded. In the last round, the Mineiros managed a goalless draw at the Internacional ground, playing 30 minutes with ten players. Nevertheless, the team was not disorganized. Indeed, the team will maintain its tactical rigor in this game against Vasco da Gama.

I think it will be a low-scoring game, Cruzeiro’s defense is very tough to break and Vasco da Gama so far didn’t show much attacking power. The Fox also doesn’t score many goals so this will be my main bet.