Juventude vs RB Bragantino Prediction: Both teams are unsafe

Juventude and Bragantino will meet in Caxias do Sul in a game where both teams need points. Although they occupy relatively quiet positions, Bragantino is in 11th and Juventude in 12th, the points gap to the relegation zone is short. The Ju and Red Bull have 32 points, but Corinthians, the first team in the Z4, has 28.

In the last round, the Serra Gaúcha side lost 1-0 away to Vitória, a direct opponent. The Baianos scored in the 45th minute from a penalty in a game where Juventude showed little creativity to overcome the home team's defense. Jair Ventura's men are stronger at the Alfredo Jaconi, but the coach won't be able to sit on the bench against Bragantino due to suspension. The Gaúchos also have some injured players, so they won't be at full strength for the next game, which is important for the club.

In midweek, the Massa Bruta drew 2-2 at home to Internacional in a postponed match from Round 16. Inter opened the scoring through Borré in the 13th minute, but just before half-time Jhon Jhon equalized. In the 75th minute, Vitinho made it 2-1 for Bragantino, only for Enner Valencia to equalize two minutes later, frustrating the Red Bull fans at the Nabizão. Pedro Caixinha's men have been struggling in the second half of the season, feeling the pressure of being involved in the relegation battle. Bragantino mustn't lose against Juventude.

Juventude has only lost two times at home in the Brasileirão, while Bragantino has only been able to win one game on the road. That doesn't mean that the Gaúchos are the favorites, not least because they aren't in good form, but the statistics show that it won't be easy for Bragantino to win. Juventude's coach won't be on the bench, which could affect the players' performance. The two sides aren't strong defensively, so a game with goals is likely. I'm betting that both teams will score.