Fluminense vs Vasco da Gama Predictions

Saturday’s Brazilian Serie A action sees local rivals Fluminense and Vasco da Gama doing battle at the Maracana. Plenty of excitement is expected as the two fight for the points on offer.

It’s fair to say Fluminense come into this derby under huge pressure and anything less than 3 points could see manager Marcao depart. 1 point from games against Athletico PR, Flamengo, Chapecoense and Ceara respectively has the team back in massive relegation trouble and fans and players alike are just hoping for a turbulent year to end with top flight status intact.

Indeed, Marcao inherited a chaotic situation when he took over a few weeks ago and whilst he initially steadied the ship, performances have taken a real dip lately and the players are clearly feeling the pressure in every game they play. Nonetheless, having lost just 1 of their last 6 home games, Tricolor can at least come into Saturday’s game with a degree of confidence of taking something from it.

Meanwhile, Vasco also arrive off the back of a real low, with a 3-1 defeat at home to Gremio all but ending any hopes of a last minute push for a top 6 place. Currently 11th in the standings, Almirante are at least still on course to qualify for next year’s Copa Sudamericana and that will be their objective in the remaining 9 games.

Overall, Vasco have put in a decent campaign, especially when you consider the terrible start they made. Vanderlei Luxemburgo has transformed the visitors into a very competitive outfit and unbeaten in 9 matches against Fluminense, they’ll be itching to continue their dominance of the fixture with a win on Saturday.

Ultimately, this should be a match packed full of action, as both teams will undoubtedly play for the win. The two typically play in aggressive, attacking styles, at times to their detriment and when you throw in both sides’ respective need for the points and the dynamic of local rivalry, there’s everything in place for an entertaining game.

As such, backing the Both Teams to Score line looks a smart way to play as far as the betting is concerned and is exactly where our money is going. Both teams have scored in 4 of Fluminense’s last 5 games, as well as in 3 of Vasco’s last 4 and with that in mind, we believe a 1-1 draw could well be on the cards come full time.