Vasco da Gama vs Cuiabá Prediction: It's a crucial game for Cuiabá

Vasco da Gama and Cuiabá will meet in a postponed match from Round 19, and both need points to reach their targets. Vasco is in 10th place with 37 points, a relatively comfortable position, but the relegation zone is just five points below. Cuiabá is in a far worse situation, occupying penultimate place with 27 points, five away from the lifeline. 

The Giant's dream of reaching the Copa do Brasil final ended after a draw at home to Atlético Mineiro. Vasco needed to win after losing 2-1 in the first leg and came close to at least reaching the penalty shootout. The Cariocas scored in the 38th minute through Vegetti from the penalty spot, but a fabulous goal from Hulk in the 83rd minute leveled the score and put the Miners into the final. Vasco da Gama will now focus exclusively on the league to end a run of five games without a victory. It's essential to get back to winning ways to avoid falling into the danger zone of the table.

The Golden Dorado drew 0-0 away to Atlético Goianiense and wasted two points against the last-placed team. With eight rounds left in the Brasileirão, Cuiabá needs victories to get out of the Z4, as draws are insufficient. The Matogrossenses have improved defensively and have only conceded one goal in their last four games, but to win, teams need to score goals. In its past six fixtures, Cuiabá has failed to score on five occasions. The match with Vasco is like a final, and a defeat could threaten the club's chances of salvation.

Vasco was eliminated in the Copa do Brasil semi-finals, and now the players can focus on the Brasileirão. The Cariocas can qualify for the Copa Sudamericana but must finish in the top 12 to achieve it. That will be the target for the Giant, which hasn't won in five league matches. Cuiabá is in second to last place and needs to make an almost perfect final stretch of the competition to avoid relegation. A draw is not enough for the Matogrossenses, who are five points below the lifeline. I'm betting on Vasco to win, as the team is strong at home and will want to give its loyal fans something to cheer about.