Prediction: Vitoria vs Atletico GO

Verdict:  Win or draw Atletico GO

Best odds: 61/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Vitoria is hunting the 1st win in the championship when they welcome fellow strugglers Atletico GO. Both teams started this campaign slowly by failing to record a single victory in the Brazilian top flight, pilling up the relegation pressure early on in the season.

Over 30, 000 supporters will back their favourites at Barradao Stadium trying to direct Vitoria to a much-needed win that can ease the pressure on head coach Thiago Carpini.

Vitoria

Vitoria is undergoing a disastrous spell with results below expectations that sent the team to a relegation spot, a difficult situation that can prove difficult to overturn. However, despite achieving promotion to the first stage of Brazilian football after narrowly edging Bahia (4-3 on aggregate), the hosts find life in Serie A difficult.

Furthermore, Thiago Carpini’s team was tested right from the start with difficult games against top sides like Palmeiras, Cruzeiro and Sao Paolo. Still, despite losing to these multi-awarded Brazilian heavyweights, the hosts put up a good fight and scored against Cruzeiro and Sao Paolo. More so, winning against Bahia the first point in the Serie A since returning to the Brazilian’s top flight, (2-2 final result) should have ignited the spirit fight within the team.

But despite this positive result that was expected to mount a recovery in the league, the hosts suffered another blow by being knocked out from the Cup in the round of the last 16, following an intense doubleheader claimed by Botafogo (1-3 on aggregate) causing more pain to the already tormented fans.

The 2nd leg defeat to Botafogo marked Vitoria’s 5th consecutive defeat in all competitions. Facing ahead a difficult schedule, Thiago Carpini needs a miracle to stir the ship in a better direction. However, playing this time against a more accessible opponent, the host can relate to the h2h advantage and get the first Serie A win.

Team News

With all players fit and ready, Thiago Carpini can line up his best formation in a bid for the 1st win in the championship. Alerrandro and Janderson will partner upfront attempting to deliver a decisive blow to their opponent. However, the attacking duo needs more support from the midfield after failing to score in the league.  

Atletico GO

Atletico Goianiense started the season with a home defeat to Flamengo (1-2). However, despite showing resilience and fighting spirit to get back in the game, a late final blow delivered by Pedro from the penalty kick was enough to edge the hosts.

Failing to improve on the championship’s disappointing debut, the visitors lost the next two games without scoring. Travelling to Botafogo to perform better and return with at least a point was a wish quickly despatched by Mateo Ponte. The Uruguayan right-back scored at the half-hour mark leaving Botafogo empty-handed again.

Furthermore, the visitors got hammered at home by Sao Paolo following a dismal performance that saw the visitors netting three times by the end of the game. Still, despite capitulating to Sao Paolo, Atletico GO displayed recovery signs in the following away match against Internacional by picking up a point after levelling up with a goal scored in the 2nd half.

Hosting Cruzeiro in a great mood following a point won at Internacional was not enough to claim the first win in the Serie A. Despite holding the lines for three-quarters of the match, Atletico Goianiense conceded the decisive blow, 10 minutes before the final whistle (0-1 final score). This result was a warning sign for coach Jair Ventura who desperately needs a win in the next game to avoid a looming early sack.

Also, the Brazilian manager has to improve his attacking players who performed below par in Serie A scoring just a pair of goals in the first five rounds. The trip to Vitoria might be the best option to get back on track with a win that could send Atletico above the floating line.

Team News

Attacking midfielder Angelo Araos is sidelined after tearing his cruciate ligament. Jair Ventura was pleased with his team putting 4 past Serie B side Brusque following a second-leg home win in the Cup. With confidence at an all-time high, Atletico Goianiense’s manager is sure his players can build on this excellent result and defeat Vitoria.

Key factors to consider

• Vitoria and Atletico GO are positioned in relegation spots following a poor start to the season
• The hosts are in a free fall losing all of their last competitive games
• The visitors are better positioned to win against Vitoria after putting on a midweek show against Brusque in Copa do Brasil
• Jair Ventura’s team won dramatically the last game played at Barradao Stadium (2-3)

Conclusion

While Vitoria and Atletico GO started their campaigns with the handbrake pulled, the visitors’ mid-week Cup game win makes them the favourite to leave  Barradao Stadium undefeated.

Verdict:  Win or draw Atletico GO

Best odds: 61/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet