Prediction: Vasco vs Internacional

Verdict: Internacional draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to widen their buffer in the top-five chase, Internacional will travel to the Sao Januario Maracana when they meet Vasco late on Thursday night.

Vasco

Starting with the hosts, while Vasco might have signed off October with a much-welcomed boost, Rafael Paiva’s men have come crashing back down to earth. Putting in a nightmare performance prior to November’s international break as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Fortaleza, the former Palmeiras coach has seen his squad come tumbling out of the Copa Libertadores chase. Opening November with another 3-0 loss at the hands of Botafogo, Thursday’s hosts have continued to show some extended defensive issues. Despite claiming an action-packed 3-2 victory against Bahia last month, Vasco have conceded eight goals in just their last three Serie A appearances. It should also be highlighted, Paiva’s side have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 12 consecutive outings.

Team News

Marking their return on Thursday night, Vasco are once again sweating over the fitness of ex-West Ham star Dimitri Payet. Likewise, not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of June, academy graduate Guilherme Estrella remains on the sidelines.

However, while former Benfica defender Joao Victor might have missed out against Fortaleza prior to November’s international break, the 26-year-old should make a full return here.

Internacional

As for the visitors, heading into November’s international break with an eye-catching 2-0 victory against Fluminense, Internacional are in the midst of what has been a real purple patch. Sat in the driving seat to punch a lucrative Copa Libertadores ticket this season, the Colorado find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Looking to make another statement on Thursday night, Roger Machado’s men have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across Brazil’s top flight. Opening November with another 2-0 win against Criciuma, the midweek guests have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A appearances. In fact, Internacional are unbeaten in all of their last 14 consecutive showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to August 18th. Riding what has been a major wave of momentum, Machado’s side will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off prior to November’s international break.

Team News

All dealing with respective injury issues prior to the fortnight interval, Internacional will once again be without the likes of Gabriel Mercado, Lucca and one-time Manchester City midfielder Fernando. However, serving a one-match suspension against Fluminense earlier in the month, former Palmeiras youngster Wesley Ribeiro could make a full return here.

Featuring for Colombia over the international break, ex-Eintracht Frankfurt striker Rafael Borre will lead the line on Thursday night. While former Getafe star Wanderson might have notched just a sole Serie A strike this season, the 30-year-old will join Borre in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Vasco and Internacional met for their reverse Serie A showdown on July 7th, Thursday’s hosts collected a shock 2-1 win at the Beira-Rio.
• However, Internacional have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A appearances.
• Likewise, the Colorado are unbeaten in each of their last 14 consecutive Serie A appearances.
• Vasco lost each of their final two Serie A appearances prior to November’s international break with back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Fortaleza and Botafogo.
• Thursday’s hosts have conceded eight goals in their last three showdowns against top flight opposition.

Conclusion

Heading into November’s international break in the midst of a real purple patch, Internacional will simply be looking to lay down another marker on Thursday night. Collecting 13 points from their previous five Serie A appearances, the Colorado are riding what has become a sensational wave of momentum. Unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight showdowns against top flight opposition, Machado’s side will simply be looking to shore up their spot in the Copa Libertadores chase.

Verdict: Internacional draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet