RB Bragantino vs Cuiabá Prediction: Bragantino has a new coach

Both teams are in the relegation zone, and this game is like a final. Pedro Caixinha was sacked and replaced by Fernando Seabra, Bragantino's new manager. Seabra led Cruzeiro until recently and did a good job, but it's hard to find Brazilian clubs that give stability to their coaches. Red Bull has 34 points, the same as Athletico-PR, who is outside the Z4 due to tie-break criteria, so the Bragança Paulista club can still escape relegation. Cuiabá's situation is much more tricky as it only has 27 points.

The Massa Bruta lost 1-0 at home to leader Botafogo and ended the round in the relegation zone. In its past 14 league matches, Bragantino has only won one, so the board decided to terminate Pedro Caixinha's contract, trying to save the club from relegation. The Portuguese coach led the team to sixth place last season, but things have not gone well this year. Against Cuiabá at home, only victory matters, not least because it's a direct opponent.

The Golden Dorado lost 1-0 at home to Corinthians and went one step closer to Série B. Cuiabá had to win to show strength in its fight for survival and failed. It was a game worth six points, as Corinthians is a direct opponent. The Matogrossenses are now eight points below the Paulistas, but they could have been just two points behind if they had won. Nothing is impossible in football, but Cuiabá must win almost every match until the end to avoid relegation.

Both teams are in the relegation zone and need to win. Bragantino has changed coach, and this often has a positive effect on the players. It will be Fernando Seabra's debut on the Red Bull bench, a manager who did a fine job at Cruzeiro. Cuiabá is in a very tough situation and under intense pressure. The Matogrossenses are seven points below the lifeline and low on confidence. I'm going to bet on Bragantino winning.