Cuiabá vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Vasco is the favorite

Cuiabá was relegated and will play its last game in the Série A until 2026, at least. Vasco secured qualification for the Copa Sudamericana and still has a remote chance of getting into the Copa Libertadores.

The Golden Dorado had a disappointing season and couldn't escape relegation to the Série B. The Matogrossenses lost 1-0 away to Fluminense and fell to last place, having been overtaken by Atlético Goianiense. Cuiabá competed in the Copa Sudamericana this year, and it seems clear that those games have hampered the team's performance in the Brasileirão. The squad lacks the quality and quantity to meet the demands of such a busy schedule. In the upcoming match, Cuiabá will be looking to say goodbye to its fans with a win to try to climb out of last place.

The Giant hosted and beat Atlético Mineiro 2-0 with goals from Pablo Vegetti and Philippe Coutinho. Vasco has qualified for the Copa Sudamericana with the victory, pushing Atlético into the relegation battle. It was the Cruzmaltino's first win under Felipe. Vasco is in 10th place and has a chance of reaching eighth, the last position that grants access to the Copa Libertadores. However, the chances are almost non-existent, as the Cariocas would have to win, wait for their opponents to drop points, and overturn a very unfavorable goal difference. 

The Giant still has a chance of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores, but it's very slim, and his players probably don't believe in it. Bahia has three points over Vasco and hosts Atlético Goianiense, 19th in the standings. The Baianos also have a much better goal difference than the Cariocas. On top of that, Cruzeiro has one point less than Bahia and consequently stands a much better chance than Vasco. Cuiabá has dropped to last place and will try to win to avoid being the worst team in the league. I'm betting on Vasco to win.