Sports Mole previews Thursday’s Brasileiro clash between Vasco da Gama and Fortaleza, including predictions, team news, and possible lineups.
Vasco da Gama aims to move away from the Brasileiro relegation zone when they play host to Fortaleza at the Estadio Sao Januario on Wednesday night.
In an attempt to avoid a third consecutive winless game, Vasco da Gama faces an in-form Fortaleza team that seeks their third consecutive victory across all competitions.
Match preview
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As the 2023 Brasileiro season enters its final third, Vasco da Gama remains at risk of being relegated back to the second tier, just 12 months after earning promotion to the top flight. They currently sit inside the relegation zone.
The Rio de Janeiro-based club is only in the bottom four on goal difference, and under the guidance of Ramon Diaz, they have 12 matches left to pull themselves away from danger.
After ending September with three consecutive victories, Vasco da Gama suffered a 4-1 defeat to Santos and a goalless draw with Sao Paulo in October. Prior to these matches, they had not failed to win at least three consecutive games since July.
On Thursday, they face Fortaleza, with whom they have won only one of their last six meetings. Fortaleza enters this contest in good form, having lost only one of their last 12 games across all competitions.
In their most recent match against America Mineiro, Fortaleza came back from two goals down to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory, extending their unbeaten run to six games.
Fortaleza, who recently reached the Copa Sudamericana final, were once fighting to avoid relegation but now find themselves challenging for a top-four finish. A win on Thursday could see them climb into the Copa Libertadores qualification spots.
However, Fortaleza’s away form has been inconsistent this season, with four wins and six losses in their 12 league matches on the road, including six losses in their last nine away fixtures.
In their previous encounter with Vasco da Gama this season, Fortaleza secured a 2-0 victory at home in May.
Vasco da Gama Brasileiro form:
Fortaleza Brasileiro form:
Fortaleza form (all competitions):
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Team News
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Vasco da Gama will be without Patrick de Lucca, Riquelme (both with ACL injuries), Rossi, Erick Marcus, Robson Bambu, Gabriel Dias (all with thigh injuries), and Manuel Capasso (with a back injury) due to injury. However, all seven players are nearing their return.
Chile international Gary Medel could face a lengthy suspension after being sent off and accused of assault in the defeat to Santos. His absence would see Maicon continue to partner Leo Pele at center-back.
French playmaker Dimitri Payet will hope to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, but he faces competition from top scorer Gabriel Pec for a place on the left flank. Pec has scored 12 goals this season.
As for Fortaleza, midfielder Hercules is ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, while Marinho and Pedro Rocha are sidelined with knee problems.
Forteza may opt for the same starting lineup for the third consecutive game, with Yago Pikachu, Tomas Pochettino, and Guilherme supporting central striker Juan Martin Lucero. Lucero has scored 21 goals this season across all competitions.
Vasco da Gama possible starting lineup:
Leonardo; Paulo, Maicon, Leo, Piton; Paulinho, Ze Gabriel, Praxedes; Gomes, Vegetti, Pec
Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Tinga, Britez, Titi, Pacheco; Alexandre, Welison; Pikachu, Pochettino, Guilherme; Lucero
We say: Vasco da Gama 0-2 Fortaleza
There are plenty of incentives for both teams to claim maximum points on Thursday, with the hosts seeking to move out of the drop zone and the visitors hoping to force their way into the top four.
Considering Fortaleza’s recent form and their previous victory against Vasco da Gama, we believe they have the edge and will secure another victory in Rio de Janeiro.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines, and more for this match, please click here.
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