In May, the Sambafoot staff from Brazil, England, France and Spain predicted which side would win the title, who would qualify for the Copa Libertadores, and who would be relegated.
There have been many twists and turns so far, and now the same writers have been asked the same questions, with a clearer idea of how the table will end up.
Who will win the title?
At the start of the season, most writers chose Santos and Cruzeiro as their title favourites. However, Santos are now not named by any writer as potential champions, while just 8% named Cruzeiro, despite the fact that they trail leaders Corinthians 13 points.
Flamengo are now the new favourites, picking up 58% of the vote. Leaders Corinthians come next, with 25%.
1. Flamengo (58%)
2. Corinthians (25%)
3. Vasco da Gama and Cruzeiro (both 8%)
Who will qualify for the Copa Libertadores?
Every one of the writers believed Santos would take one of the four Libertadores spots, which they have achieved through winning this year’s competition. However, Fluminense, Gremio and Atletico Mineiro are no longer thought to be in contention.
Prior to the season’s start, only 33% believed Flamengo would qualify. Now, every writer has chosen the side to do so, as well as Corinthians. The other favourites are Sao Paulo, Botafogo, Internacional, Cruzeiro and Palmeiras.
1. Flamengo and Corinthians (100%)
2. Sao Paulo (75%)
3. Botafogo (42%)
4. Internacional (25%)
5. Cruzeiro (17%)
6. Palmeiras (8%)
Who will be relegated?
In this aspect, the favourite has not changed since May. America Mineiro were named as likely to go down by every writer, and have again been done so, with the side currently sitting bottom of the table and eight points from safety.
Every writer also now believes Bahia will be relegated, with 42% having said so in May. Avai are still one of the favourites to finish in the bottom four, but Figueirense are seen to be safe.
The other teams the Sambafoot writers think will be involved are Atletico Mineiro, Atletico Paranaense, Atletico Goianiense, Gremio and Ceara.
1. America Mineiro and Bahia (100%)
2. Avai (75%)
3. Atletico Mineiro (50%)
4. Atletico Paranaense (25%)
5. Atletico Goianiense, Gremio and Ceara (17%)
Translated by Sean Mullan.
