Vasco da Gama will endeavour to move away from the Brasileiro relegation zone when play host to Fortaleza at the Estadio Sao Januario on Wednesday night.
While the hosts are hoping to avoid a third successive game without a win, the visitors are seeking to claim a third consecutive victory in all competitions.
Match preview
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Heading into the final third of the 2023 Brasileiro season, Vasco da Gama remain at risk of dropping back down the second tier 12 months after securing promotion to the top flight, as they are placed inside the relegation zone.
The Rio de Janeiro-based outfit are only sitting inside the bottom four on goal difference, though, and Ramon Diaz's side still have 12 games remaining to steer themselves away from the dotted line.
Vasco da Gama ended the month of September on a high with three successive victories over Fluminense, Coritiba and Atletico Mineiro, but they have since failed to win their first two games in October, with a 4-1 defeat at Santos followed by a goalless draw with Sao Paulo in their most recent match just over a week ago.
Not since a run of four straight defeats in July have Vasco da Gama failed to win at least three games in a row, and the prospect of returning to winning ways on Thursday is not a given as they have only won one of their last six meetings with Fortaleza, who enter this contest boasting a strong run of form.
Indeed, Fortaleza have only lost one of their last 12 games in all competitions and are currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run which was extended thanks to a thrilling 3-2 comeback win at home against America Mineiro just under two weeks ago.
Juan Pablo Vojvoda's side were trailing by two goals inside the opening 23 minutes, but they valiantly fought back to turn the game on its head courtesy of strikes from Juan Martin Lucero, Imanol Machuca and Bruno Pacheco.
Fortaleza, who progressed to the Copa Sudamericana final earlier this month, were fighting for their lives towards the bottom end of the table this time last year, but they now find themselves in sixth place and challenging for a top-four finish this term, and a win on Thursday could see them climb into the Copa Libertadores qualification spots.
However, the Lion of the Pici have experienced mixed fortunes away from home so far this season, winning four and losing six of their 12 league matches on the road, with all six losses taking place across their last nine away fixtures.
Fortaleza got the better of Vasco da Gama earlier this season, though, when they secured a 2-0 home victory in May courtesy of goals from Thiago Galhardo and Silvio Romero.
Team News
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Vasco da Gama are set to be without Patrick de Lucca, Riquelme (both ACL), Rossi, Erick Marcus, Robson Bambu, Gabriel Dias (all thigh) and Manuel Capasso (back) due to injury, but all seven players are closing in on a return.
Chile international Gary Medel could be facing a lengthy suspension after being sent off and accused of assault in the defeat to Santos earlier this month; the 36-year-old's absence is set to see Maicon continue at centre-back alongside Leo Pele.
French playmaker Dimitri Payet will be hoping to force his way back into the first XI, but the 36-year-old faces competition from top scorer Gabriel Pec, who has 12 goals to his name so far this term, for a place on the left flank.
As for Fortaleza, midfielder Hercules is ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, while Marinho and Pedro Rocha are also sidelined with knee problems.
Vojvoda may consider selecting the same starting lineup for the third successive game, with Yago Pikachu, Tomas Pochettino and Guilherme all providing support in attack for central striker Lucero, who has scored 21 goals across all competitions so far this season.
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.
Fortaleza came out on top the last time that these two teams met, and we believe that they have enough quality throughout their side to claim another victory in Rio de Janeiro.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Oliver Thomas
