Fluminense vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: The Giants' Classic at the Maracanã is the highlight of the round

There's a big game on the horizon at the legendary Maracanã, with leader Fluminense hosting fourth-placed rival Vasco da Gama in the so-called Clássico dos Gigantes. In the 331 times these two clubs have met, the rivalry has always been present, and the history of the clashes reflects the balance in the battles. Vasco has won 121 times, Fluminense 110, and they drew 100 times.

The Tricolor remains at the top of the table even though its performances haven't been brilliant in the last two games. In the previous round, Fluminense beat modest Sampaio Corrêa, which is in second-to-last place, 1-0 at home. The winning goal came late in the game, in the 79th minute, through the inevitable Germán Cano. The Galinho da Serra always defended with too many men, and the patient, short-passing style of play typical of coach Fernando Diniz ended up working. Facing Vasco da Gama, the team will have to play much better against an opponent that defends well but has dangerous players up front, unlike Sampaio Corrêa.

The Hill's Giant also won 1-0 at home against a team with few resources, Audax Rio, bottom of the Carioca. It was a return to winning ways for Vasco da Gama after three games without a victory. The current fourth place grants Vasco qualification for the semi-finals, but Botafogo and Boavista have just one point less. In third place is the surprise package, Nova Iguaçu, with 14 points, two more than Vasco da Gama. The Cruzmaltino needs to, at least, pick up a point at the Maracanã, with just four matches remaining until the end of the Carioca regular season.

Fluminense wants to win the Copa Guanabara, the trophy awarded to the top team of the Campeonato Carioca regular phase, and a victory over Vasco da Gama is essential. Rival Flamengo is in second place, just two points behind, waiting for the Tricolor to slip up. Fernando Diniz's team has more talented players and is the favorite for this game. Surprises can happen in a classic, so I'm betting on a game with a goal total below 2.5. If there aren't many goals, this bet covers several possible outcomes.