Vasco da Gama vs Bahia Prediction: Bahia Struggling Delivering on the Big Stage

In the upcoming fixture of Brazil Serie A, Matchday 3, Vasco da Gama will be up against Bahia at the São Januário Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Though it’s too early to discuss points table standing, Vasco da Gama stands 9th with a win and 4 points, whereas Bahia stands 19th and is waiting to get off the mark in terms of wins and points. Vasco da Gama and Bahai have previously played each other in Serie A and B fixtures. In their last meeting in August 2022, Bahia managed to win (2-1) playing at home. The upcoming matchup could be an interesting one to witness, as Bahia can reasonably surprise the opposition. 

Vasco da Gama - Surprised Palmeiras with a Draw (DWLLW)

Going in the match against Bahia, Vasco da Gama will be confident in defending at home and securing three more win points. With an unexpected lead in the previous match against the Brazilian giants, Vasco da Gama looked to clinch an unexpected win. However, the timely equalizers from the Palmerian attack neutralized the scoreline. Pedro Raul and Gabriel Pec were spot-on with goals in the 29th and 40th minute of play, giving their side a decisive lead. Goalkeeper Leo was also spot in the last match with 3 diving saves and 2 punches. With Alex Teixeira in the starting formation, Vasco da Gama will be feeling very settled ahead of their match against Bahia. Coach Mauricio Barbieri is likely to play an unchanged eleven. In the last 5 matches played, Vasco da Gama has scored only 9 goals, averaging 1.80 goals per game. Against the scoring average, Vasco da Gama has also conceded 9 goals. Hence, Vasco da Gama will have to minimize the scoring from the other end by improving the overall defensive play. 

Expected Opening Lineup for Vasco da Gama

Leo Jardim; José Luis Rodríguez, Robson Bambu, Léo, Lucas Pitón; Rodrigo Alves, Andrey Santos, Jair; Gabriel Pec, Pedro Raúl, Alex Teixeira.

Bahia - Going Through a Struggling and Rebuilding Phase in Serie A (WLLWW)

It’s quite evident that Bahia is struggling to perform and get going in Brazil Serie A. However, its performances in Copa do Brasil fixtures have been spot-on. In the last match against Volta Redonda (4-0), Cauly Oliveira, Arthur Sales, and Vitor Jacare scored goals throughout the play. Apart from the last performance, Bahia has struggled at large in Serie A, as it lost to Botafogo (1-2) and Red Bull Bragantino (2-1). The losing margin was just 1 goal, which can be improved as the tournament builds on. Coach Renato Paiva will be hoping that his side will carry the confidence from Copa do Brasil’s last outing and dominate Vasco da Gama. Bahia has won three of its last five matches and has scored positively in all. Talking about the goal scoring, Bahia has struck 9 goals and conceded just 5 in the last five outings. 

Expected Opening Lineup for Bahia

Marcos Felipe; Gabriel Xavier, Jhoanner Chavez, David Duarte; Rezende, Cauly, Yago Felipe, Nicolás Acevedo; Ademir, Everaldo, Vítor Jacaré.

Expert Betting Tips

Going in the matchup, Vasco da Gama will be starting as the favorite due to a couple of reasons. First, they are playing at home and in the last home fixture, they managed to neutralize Palmeiras. Second, Vasco has only lost to Bahia twice when playing at home in the last 11 home fixtures. Considering the recent stats, I believe Vasco will be spot-on with game tactics and forward play against Bahia. On the other hand, Bahia has positively scored in its last 8 outings, which makes the upcoming matchup has both sides scoring positively. The match total is expected to be over 2.5 goals, and Vasco da Gama is to score at least 2 goals in the winning cause. 

• Vasco da Gama to Win for 1.75
• Total Over 2.5 for 2.09
• Both Teams to Score - Yes for 1.94