Against All Odds: No immediate revival for Vitoria BA in Brazil

Can Ney Franco revitalise Vitoria BA?

Paul Robinson got himself back into the winners enclosure last night and he aims to stay there this evening as he thinks that Figueirense can avoid defeat on their trip to Vitoria BA.

Vitoria BA v Figueirense
Sunday August 24, 20:00 BST

Vitoria BA enjoyed a fine campaign last year following their promotion from Serie B as they finished in fifth place, narrowly missing out on a chance to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. That was under manager Ney Franco though and he left the club to go to Flamengo. Jorginho was the man to replace him and with 'Leo da Barra' sitting bottom of the table after 16 games, he was sacked this week.

As is often the way in Brazilian football, Ney Franco has come back to Vitoria to pick up the pieces but it's der Bastos who will be the interim coach for tonight's game. It's hard to believe that the Salvadoran outfit will suddenly be able to turn things around though as they flopped to a hugely disappointing 2-0 defeat to fellow strugglers, Coritiba, on Wednesday. Prior to that it was a draw at home to newly promoted Chapecoense and a 3-1 loss at Sao Paulo.

Figueirense had made a slow start to life back in the top flight but they've really got things together in the last month as they have now taken 10 points from a possible 12. The catalyst for change was a new manager as former Portuguesa boss, Argel Fucks, joined the club at the end of July. He had a rude awakening on his first match in charge as his team were thrashed 5-0 at leaders, Cruzeiro, but they've been unbeaten since.

Away from Estdio Orlando Scarpelli, 'Figueira' have won three of eight so far this term - keeping clean sheets in all three - and that includes a victory at title chasing, Corinthians. A 1-1 draw at Flamengo means they've avoided defeat in 50% of their matches on the road and they couldn't be in better form at present.

The exit of Jorginho will give Vitoria BA fans hope of success here but I certainly wouldn't want to be backing them at odds-on. That's why, with their price trading at around the 1.9310/11 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.    

Recommended Bet
Lay Vitoria BA v Figueirense @ 1.9310/11

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 226 pts
Returned: 230.57 pts
P/L: + 4.57 pts (after commission)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)