Vasco da Gama vs Juventude Prediction: Juventude has just one win on the road

Vasco da Gama is enjoying a good season and occupies ninth place in the standings. Juventude was promoted from the Série B and occupies 13th place, ahead of historic Brazilian clubs such as Grêmio, Fluminense, and Corinthians. The Caxias do Sul team is competent at home but struggles away. The Gaúchos have only won once on the road, so Vasco is the favorite.

The Cruzmaltino played a midweek game and lost 2-1 away to Atlético Mineiro in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-finals. Vasco started well and Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring after 14 minutes at the Arena MRV. However, that was Vasco's only shot on target in the whole game. After conceding the goal, Atlético put the Giant under pressure and managed to turn the game around in the first half with goals from Arana and Paulinho in the 38th and 44th minutes respectively. In the second half, the Rooster was more cautious and Vasco failed to create any chances. The Cariocas are not in the best of form and haven't won in five matches. It's understandable, though, as during this period they've faced Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Atlético Mineiro, teams of great quality. Vasco da Gama has 36 points and a game in hand and could finish the league in a good position if it returns to its best form in the final stretch of the Brasileirão.

The Papo let a home win over Bragantino slip away in the last few minutes. The first half was dull, with very few chances on goal. However, the second half started at a different pace, and Juventude scored in the 48th minute thanks to Mandaca, who deflected the ball into the net with his right foot after a cross. Bragantino reacted but without causing much trouble to Juventude's defense. The victory looked inevitable, but in the 85th minute, Eduardo Santos headed home the equalizer. The Gaúchos didn't play a great game, but they wasted two points against a struggling Bragantino side.

Both teams aren't at their best, but they're still relatively quiet on the table. Vasco da Gama is a tough team to beat at the São Januário, while Juventude struggles away from home. Nevertheless, I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Vasco with a maximum of three goals scored in the match. I'm not ruling out a draw because the Cariocas had a game midweek and may not be at full fitness.