Prediction: Vasco vs Cruzeiro

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who are seeking a much-welcomed boost on Saturday night, Vasco will welcome Cruzeiro to the Maracana this weekend.

Vasco

Starting with the hosts, while Vasco might have signed off June with a crucial 1-0 victory against Cuiaba, caretaker boss Willian Batista saw his temporary squad come crashing back down to earth last week. Eventually getting hit with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Botafogo, the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit find themselves tipped as a leading contender to be hit with an immediate second-tier return in 2023. Showing a string of issues on either side of June’s international break, the Admirals have now lost seven of their previous eight showdowns against Serie A opposition – a run that stems all the way back to a 1-1 draw against Cortibia on May 11th, Likewise, marking their return from the fortnight interval with a toothless 1-0 defeat at home against Goias, Vasco have also shown some continued struggles in the final third. It should be highlighted, Vasco have notched just a single strike in over 300 minutes of action.

Team News

Both still dealing with extended injury issues, Vasco will once again be without the duo of Cauan Barros and Gabriel Dias on Saturday night. Likewise, picking up a first-half knock away at Botafogo last time out, the Admirals will also be unable to call upon one-time Nice defender Robson Bambu.

However, in what could be a timely boost for Vasco, Gabriel Pec should make a full return here after the 22-year-old served a one-match suspension last weekend.

Cruzeiro

As for the visitors, although Cruzeiro might have also claimed a welcomed boost when signing off June, the Foxes find themselves in an almost identical position to Saturday’s opponents. Despite being last seen clinging to a gritty 0-0 stalemate away at Internacional, Pepa’s side have managed to muster just a single win from any of their last nine straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to May 14th. Nevertheless, only making their Serie A return this season, it is no secret that Cruzeiro have their sights firmly set on pinching a stunning Copa Sudamericana ticket in 2023. While Pepa’s men might be looking to make a top-12 statement this weekend, the former Tondela boss has seen his squad show their own respective struggles in the final third. It is worth noting, Saturday’s guests have notched just one goal in three last three domestic showdowns.

Team News

Dealing with what has become a mounting injury list, Cruzeiro will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Rafael Bilu, Ramiro, Wallisson and Wesley Gasolina. However, Pepa is hopeful that 21-year-old Daniel Junior will be able to make a return to his matchday squad on Saturday night.

Likewise, shown a pair of bookings away at Internacional last weekend, 27-year-old Lucas Oliveira will serve a one-match suspension here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on September 21st for a Serie B showdown, Cruzeiro picked up a routine 3-0 romp at the Mineirao.
• Vasco have lost seven of their previous eight top-flight appearances – a run that stems back to May 11th.
• The Foxes have played out a stalemate in each of their previous four straight matchups on the road.
• Both of Saturday’s opponents have managed to score just a single strike in any of their last three straight domestic appearances.
• Only a pair of the last seven showdowns between Vasco and Cruzeiro have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who have continued to show their own attacking issues on either side of June’s international break, neutrals could be treated to a cagey affair on Saturday night. With both camps desperately seeking some much-needed stability, chances could come at a real premium this weekend. It should be highlighted, both Vasco and Cruzeiro have notched just a single strike in their previous three respective domestic showdowns. Likewise, with just a pair of their last seven meetings finishing with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting another nervy contest here.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster