Vasco da Gama vs Fortaleza Prediction: Vasco will face a motivated opponent

The Brasileirão continues its hectic pace with more midweek matches. The teams have hardly any time to rest or train. Coaches find it hard to correct tactical issues that have gone wrong during matches. Excellent physical preparation is crucial, as is a lot of mental strength. Vasco drew at home in its last game and is still very close to the danger zone. Fortaleza has won two straight games and will be motivated for this clash.

The draw in the Friendship Derby with Botafogo was a relief. Vasco was trailing until very close to the end of the game but managed to avoid defeat. Captain Pablo Vegetti again saved his team with a well-placed header in the 84th minute. The Cruzmaltino now has 11 points and is one place above the Z4, although with the same points as Atlético Goianiense. The Cariocas have a poor record in the league, with three wins, two draws, and eight defeats. They need to do much better to avoid relegation, especially on the road, where Vasco has lost all six games. Until the team improves its away record, it must win its home matches, even against tough opposition like Fortaleza.

The Cearenses ended the game suffering but defeated Juventude 2-1 at home. The game looked easy enough as Fortaleza led 2-0 at half-time, with goals from Lucero and Pikachu, but the second half was different. The team slowed down, which is acceptable given the lead and the heavy schedule, and allowed the Gaúchos to score in the 74th minute. Until the end of the match, the Lion struggled to hold on to his second consecutive win. Fortaleza is now in eighth place with 20 points and one game in hand. The disastrous performance in Cuiabá, which ended in a 5-0 defeat, was a turning point for the Cearenses, who have since recorded three wins and a draw. Vojvoda's team will now head to Rio to bring home a point.

Fortaleza is in a good moment, but Vasco is a difficult team to beat in its stadium. The Cearenses have only won once on the road in Round 2, in April, so I will not take that risk. Instead, I'll bet on a Double Chance in favor of Vasco da Gama, with a maximum of three goals scored.