Hi all,

My second pick on Heavy Betting will be from Brazilian football. Since I’m native Floridian, I’ve got a passion for both North- and South American soccer. Quite many of my network contacts comes from Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, so I feel I’ve got quite good odds to beat the markets down south.
The game between Sampaio Correa and Bahia is judged to be a low-scoring match. I don’t agree here. And why is that?

* The hosts will be missing both central midfielders due to suspension. Both Diones and Moises recieved crucial bookings in the 4-1 victory against Criciuma and will be missed. Inexperienced Rogerio will play in the central part of the field along with Cleiton, who’s lacking defensive quality – that should be a big blow for Sampaio’s defense.

* Bahia appointed the former Ceara-coach Sergio Soares in the end of 2014. During his spell with Ceara, he made Ceara the highest scoring team two seasons in a row both in 2013 and 2014. Soares approaches the game very offensively, and even if Bahia only averages 2.00 goals pr. game, they’ve been saved several times from brilliant goalkeeping efforts by Douglas Pires and inspirational leadership by Titi. The latter is OUT tonight due to suspension.
* Sampaio Correa appointed Leonardo Condé as new coach. He’s quite unknown in the top tiers of Brazilian football and seems to play rather offensively. Since his arrival, Sampaio have conceded in all six games but also scored in five themselves.

* Offensively both teams looks quite strong with Argentine striker Maxi Biannucchi in good shape. for Bahia, while the forever-young Sampaio-forward Robert still bags in goals for fun, tallying his total to six in just as many matches this season with his goal against Criciuma.
* I see both teams going for the victory with the table situation in mind. A victory for either team would elevate them to second place.

Against the pick? Not that much, really. Bahia haven’t been as dangerous away from home compared to their home stats, but with Sampaios weakened midfield, they should have a real chance of scoring Friday night (Just past midnight Saturday European time)

Good luck!

Brazil, Serie B
Fair odds: 1,70