Author: Soorya G
The 25th round of matches in Brazil’s top flight is scheduled for next weekend, while some other games postponed in previous rounds of the season will be played during the week. América MG, Vasco da Gama, São Paulo and Coritiba played one match less than the other teams and will play again after two matches this week. An exciting series of games awaits, with the possibility of some clarity in the top half of the table as eight teams are separated by just seven points.
América MG – Vasco da Gama (Round 15)
Two relegation-threatened teams will face each other in a desperate moment at the end of the season. América are in a terrible run of form, but wins against São Paulo and Santos in recent games have given the team confidence. The same applies to Vasco, who have been in good form of late, with just one defeat in their last seven games. Vasco start as favorites, with a 2-0 scoreline expected.
São Paulo-Coritiba (Matchday 22)
Another battle between two teams from the bottom half of the table will take place in midweek, with 20th-placed Coritiba facing São Paulo. São Paulo were recently crowned Copa do Brasil champions, which suggests that recent form is in their favor. Meanwhile, Coritiba seem resigned to their fate, with relegation almost certain after seven consecutive defeats. São Paulo are hoping for a 3-0 win at home.
Flamengo-Bahia
Brazilian giants Flamengo will face Bahia at a time of crisis. The losers of the Copa do Brasil final have suffered a slump in form recently and will be looking to start a revival against Bahia, who aren’t doing too well either. Flamengo will be counting on the return of Giorgian Arrascaeata for inspiration, as he has been the team’s best player this campaign. His return will tip the scales in Flamengo’s favor, with a prediction of 1-0.
Fortaleza vs Gremio
Two competitive teams in the league this season, Gremio will face Fortaleza away from home, who have recently beaten São Paulo and Corinthians. Grêmio have had a patchy run over the last two months, while their opponents have been remarkably consistent. However, the presence of players like Mathias Vilasanti and Luis Suárez tip the scales in Gremio’s favor, as they look set to win 1-0.
Cuiabá-Fluminense
Brazilian giants Fluminense will face Cuiabá in their 25th Serie A match of the season. The Copa Libertadores semi-finalists recently suffered a shock defeat to Vasco, but have been in good form. Meanwhile, their opponents have had a slightly better campaign compared to the last two seasons, but are going through a serious slump in form. Cuiabá are hoping that the midweek cup competition will even things out, as a 1-1 draw is expected.
São Paulo vs. Corinthians
The Copa do Brasil champions will play Corinthians again this weekend in an exciting clash. Despite a patchy campaign, recent results must have filled the team with energy, while the opposite can be said of their rivals. São Paulo will be hoping for a 1-0 win against their opponents, who also face Fortaleza in the Sudamericana on Wednesday.
Internacional-Atlético MG
The two clubs are separated by eight points in the table, with Atlético MG in ninth place on 37 points. With positive results against leaders Botafogo and Cuiabá in recent games, the 2021 champions are trying their hardest to make the top six. Meanwhile, last season’s runner-up is having a period that matches his pattern of alternating between successful and disappointing seasons. Atlético will be hoping for a 2-0 away win.
Coritiba vs Athletico Paranaense
Athletico will face relegation candidates Coritiba away from home at the Antônio Pereira Stadium. A series of draws interrupted the good run of form in Paranaense, before the team returned to winning ways against Flamengo and Internacional. Playing against the last-placed team, Athletico Paranaense are expected to beat Coritiba 3-0.
Cruzeiro vs América MG
Cruzeiro have had a decent campaign since being promoted from the second division this season and will face América, who have gone through a shocking decline. América, who finished in the top half of the table twice in a row, have fallen drastically as relegation looms. Cruzeiro are expected to win 1-0.
Vasco da Gama-Santos
Santos’ decline has been gradual and they are now in the relegation zone. The team is currently in 17th place and desperately needs help to recover. The team faces newly promoted Vasco da Gama, who have enjoyed a good run of form in the recent past. However, Santos have their sights set on survival, which makes them favorites at home, with a 1-0 scoreline expected.
Red Bull Bragantino – Palmeiras
By far the most exciting game of the week will be played between two top teams, both in questionable form. Palmeiras have drawn two and lost one in their last five games, while Bragantino have drawn one and lost one in the same period. However, home advantage is expected to favor Bragantino, who are hoping for a narrow 1-0 win.
Botafogo vs Goiás
The league leaders don’t expect to be challenged too much when they face Goiás, who are bottom of the table. However, the four consecutive defeats must have created doubts in the minds of Fogão, who remain cautious not to lose the lead. Goiás’ recent form will also calm the nerves of the leaders, who will be hoping to get back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory.