Vasco da Gama vs. Ceara Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 15 September 2025

This Serie A clash between Vasco da Gama and Ceara promises to be an engaging matchup. Taking place on 15 September 2025, it’s a critical fixture for both teams as they aim to climb the league standings. Vasco da Gama, sitting 15th with 22 points, are slight favourites according to bookmakers, priced at 1.88 for a win. Ceara, currently 11th with 26 points, face a tougher challenge given their inconsistent away form.

Vasco’s recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows. They boast an average of 2.40 goals scored in their last five games but struggle defensively, particularly in the last 15 minutes of matches. Pablo Vegetti, their top scorer with 12 goals, will be key.

Ceara, on the other hand, have a strong defensive record with two clean sheets in their last five games, but their goal-scoring woes (0.40 goals per game) might hold them back. Less than 2.5 goals have been scored in 71% of their matches, making a tightly-contested game likely.

Despite their recent form, Vasco da Gama is recommended to win due to their ability to create high-quality chances and capitalize on Ceara’s away struggles.

Vasco da Gama vs Ceara Prediction & Betting Tip

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• Vasco da Gama have shown solid home form, creating high-quality chances and dominating the midfield.
• Ceara have struggled in away matches, providing an edge to Vasco da Gama.
• Vasco’s defensive organization and effective attacking transitions make them well-positioned to secure victory.

Given Vasco da Gama’s recent home performances and Ceara’s inconsistency on the road, betting on a Vasco da Gama victory at 1.88 odds is recommended. The home team shows the capacity to control the game and has an attacking edge, making them likely to grab all three points in this matchup.

Vasco da Gama vs Ceara Odds

The odds for the upcoming Serie A clash between Vasco da Gama and Ceara highlight the home team’s slight favouritism. Vasco da Gama, sitting at 15th place with 22 points, are given bookmaker odds of 1.88 to secure a victory. On the other hand, Ceara, positioned 11th with 26 points, face tougher odds at 4.28. A draw is priced at 3.27, reflecting the potential for a closely contested match.

Given Vasco da Gama’s recent solid home form and Ceara’s struggles in away games, backing Vasco da Gama to win at 1.88 seems like a smart bet. The home team can dominate the midfield and create high-quality chances, providing them with an edge in this fixture.

Vasco da Gama Team Analysis

Vasco da Gama Recent Performance (L, L, D, W, W)

Vasco da Gama’s recent form has been a mixed bag, reflected in their last five matches (LLDWW). Despite finding themselves 15th in the league with 22 points, they have shown signs of an upward trajectory.

Recent games include:

• Botafogo RJ 1-1 Vasco da Gama (Penalty shoot-out: 3-5, Cup) on 12 September 2025
• Sport Recife 2-3 Vasco da Gama on 31 August 2025
• Vasco da Gama 1-1 Botafogo RJ (Cup) on 28 August 2025
• Vasco da Gama 2-3 Corinthians on 24 August 2025
• Juventude 2-0 Vasco da Gama on 20 August 2025

Vasco has been aggressive in attack, averaging 2.40 goals per game over their last five matches. However, their defense has been shaky, conceding in each of those games.

Top striker Pablo Vegetti has been instrumental, bagging 12 goals this season. Despite their defensive vulnerabilities, Vasco’s prowess in creating high-quality chances gives them a fighting chance in every game.

Vasco da Gama Key Players

Vasco da Gama relies heavily on their top scorer, Pablo Vegetti, who has netted 12 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a critical asset for the team. Alongside him, the experienced Philippe Coutinho operates as the midfield maestro, driving play forward and creating opportunities.

Key individual battles in this match could involve Vegetti facing Ceara’s solid defensive trio of Eder, Marcos Victor, and Nicolas Vichiatto. Coutinho versus Ceara’s midfield stalwart Richardson will also be crucial in determining which team controls the midfield.

Expected lineup for Vasco da Gama:

• Goalkeeper: Leo Jardim
• Defenders: Paulo Henrique, Carlos Cuesta, Lucas Freitas, José Luis Rodríguez
• Midfielders: Cauan Barros, Mateus Carvalho, Philippe Coutinho
• Attackers: Rayan Vitor, Pablo Vegetti, Nuno Moreira

This blend of experience and youthful exuberance could give Vasco the edge in terms of creativity and finishing.

Vasco da Gama Suspensions & Injuries

Vasco da Gama is dealing with several key absences that could impact their performance.

Injuries include:

• Adson (Broken leg – Potential return Late October 2025)
• Thiago Mendes (Calf Injury – Doubtful)
• Jair (Cruciate ligament injury – Out for season)
• Lucas Piton (Calf Injury – About 1-2 weeks)

Additionally, Hugo Moura is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards and will miss this match.

These absences, especially in the defensive and midfield departments, could challenge the team’s stability and depth. Fernando Diniz will need to rely on his bench strength and tactical flexibility to compensate for these key players’ missing experience and skill levels.

Vasco da Gama Tactics and Formation

Vasco da Gama Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Pablo Vegetti
• Midfield Trio: Cauan Barros, Mateus Carvalho, Philippe Coutinho
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: High-quality chance creation and midfield dominance.

Under Fernando Diniz, Vasco da Gama typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation. This setup allows them to leverage their attacking prowess, spearheaded by Pablo Vegetti, who has scored 12 goals this season. The midfield is anchored by the creative Philippe Coutinho, supported by Cauan Barros and young Mateus Carvalho.

Vasco often focus on dominating the midfield and creating high-quality chances. Despite their attacking flair, the team has struggled defensively, particularly in the last 15 minutes of matches, conceding heavily in this interval. This approach could make or break their chances against Ceara, given their poor recent defensive records.

Ceara Team Analysis

Ceara Recent Performance (L, W, L, D, L)

Ceara’s recent form has been inconsistent, as shown by their last five matches (LWLDL). Despite currently sitting 11th in the league with 26 points, their performance has been less than stellar, especially in front of goal.

Recent games include:

• Ceara 0-1 Juventude on 30 August 2025
• Gremio 0-0 Ceara on 24 August 2025
• Bahia 1-0 Ceara (Copa do Nordeste Final Stage) on 21 August 2025
• Ceara 1-0 Red Bull Bragantino on 16 August 2025
• Palmeiras 2-1 Ceara on 10 August 2025

Ceara has struggled in the offensive department, averaging just 0.40 goals per game in their last five matches. However, defensively, they have managed to secure two clean sheets in those games, highlighting their capacity to be resolute at the back despite a lack of goals upfront. Their defensive steadiness will be crucial against Vasco da Gama.

Ceara Key Players

Ceara will be banking on their top scorer Pedro Raul, who has scored 7 goals this season. Raul’s ability to make crucial interventions will be vital if they aim to challenge Vasco da Gama’s shaky defense. Alongside him, Lucas Mugni as the attacking midfielder will be instrumental in linking the play and creating opportunities for the forwards.

An intriguing individual battle could be Pedro Raul taking on Vasco’s central defenders, Carlos Cuesta and Lucas Freitas. Additionally, the midfield duel between Lucas Mugni and Vasco’s Philippe Coutinho could significantly impact the creativity and control in the middle of the park.

Expected lineup for Ceara:

• Goalkeeper: Bruno Ferreira
• Defenders: Fabiano, Eder, Marcos Victor, Nicolas Vichiatto
• Midfielders: Richardson, Dieguinho, Lucas Mugni
• Attackers: Antonio Galeano, Pedro Raul, Aylon

These players will need to be at their best to secure a positive result against Vasco da Gama.

Ceara Suspensions & Injuries

Ceara will have to manage without several key players due to injuries.

Injuries include:

• Luiz Otávio (Knee surgery – Potential return Late September 2025)
• Fernandinho (Thigh injury – Doubtful)
• Fernando Miguel (Medial Collateral Ligament injury – Potential return Late September 2025)
• Rafael Ramos (Unknown – Potential return Late September 2025)
• Matheus Bahia (Knee injury – Potential return Late September 2025)

These absences, especially in the defensive sector, could weaken Ceara’s overall stability and depth. Leo Conde will need to ensure his squad can adapt and maintain their defensive solidity, which has been key in their recent matches. The loss of Luiz Otávio, in particular, will be a significant blow to their defensive line-up.

Ceara Tactics and Formation

Ceara Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Pedro Raul
• Midfield Trio: Richardson, Dieguinho, Lucas Mugni
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Defensive solidity and counter-attacking play.

Ceara typically deploy a 4-3-3 formation under Leo Conde, emphasizing a solid defensive setup combined with quick counter-attacks. Pedro Raul leads the line as the key forward, looking to capitalize on transitional play. The midfield trio of Richardson, Dieguinho, and Lucas Mugni focus on breaking up opposition play and swiftly transitioning the ball forward.

Given their recent struggles in attack, Ceara may rely heavily on their defensive organization, having kept two clean sheets in their last five matches. Conde’s side may look to exploit any space behind Vasco’s defensive line, aiming to catch them off guard during counter-attacks, particularly during the second half.

Vasco da Gama vs Ceara Head-to-Head Statistics

The last five meetings between Vasco da Gama and Ceara show a competitive edge between the two sides.

Recent encounters include:

• Ceara 2-1 Vasco da Gama on 16 April 2025
• Vasco da Gama 1-4 Ceara on 30 November 2020
• Ceara 0-3 Vasco da Gama on 20 August 2020
• Ceara 1-1 Vasco da Gama on 26 October 2019
• Vasco da Gama 1-0 Ceara on 13 June 2019

Vasco da Gama has won twice, Ceara twice, and one match ended in a draw. The most recent encounter saw Ceara recording a narrow 2-1 win earlier this year.

These statistics suggest a closely contested fixture, where anything can happen. However, given Ceara’s recent poor form and Vasco’s solid home performances, the home team may have the slight edge in this match.

Odds accurate as of 13.09.2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.