Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction

South America’s most prestigious tournament, the Copa Libertadores, reaches its conclusion on Saturday evening and South American expert Nathan Joyes is on hand to provide his Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

It’s winner takes all in Buenos Aires between Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo who will be hoping to win the biggest tournament in South America on Saturday. Mineiro head into this match winless in their last nine, while Botafogo have a spring in their step having beaten Palmeiras midweek.

This will be Botafogo’s first attempt to win the Copa Libertadores, having never made it to the final before, whereas Galo last won the trophy back in 2013. We’re set for a feisty affair in Argentina.

• Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Tip 1: Half Time Draw
• Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Tip 2: Vojnovic Lyanco to be carded

Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction 1:

Argentina, Copa Libertadores, Saturday, November 30th, 20:00 (UK)

After nine months we have made it to the Copa Libertadores final and once again it’s an all-Brazilian affair. For regular readers of my column, you’ll be as pleased as punch as I tipped both Mineiro and Botafogo to lift the trophy back in March. Yet arguably, that makes my job here a little trickier, especially with both teams heading into this final out of sorts.

Mineiro haven’t won in nine since their 3-0 victory over River Plate in the semi-finals. At first glance, it doesn’t make good reading. However, their match against Juventude was their 8th in just 24 days.

Head coach Gabi Milito has rotated throughout November to protect his players and limit risk of injury ahead of this final. Within those matches, two were in the Copa do Brasil final against Flamengo, while another was a superb 0-0 draw away to River Plate in their second leg.

We had a taste of what the final might look like when Mineiro’s half-and-half side drew 0-0 with Botafogo nine days before their kick-off in Buenos Aires. Mineiro had 10 men for 50+ minutes, but frustrated Botafogo as they look to win the Serie A title for the first time in over 30 years.

Mineiro were excellent pre and after the red card. They stifled Botafogo’s attack, and we saw how capable they were at doing so against River Plate in the exact same stadium they’ll be in on Saturday.

Botafogo will be in a great mood after their away win against Palmeiras midweek puts them on the verge of the title, but they need to regroup, focus and deliver once again on Saturday. They are certainly capable, but another explosive start is less likely due to the occasion.

There’s just so much at stake here for both sides, and the opening 45 minutes could be as cagey as it gets. Neither are coming into this in any kind of convincing form, and for the match to be level at the break just shy of evens is perhaps a negative, yet tempting bet. 

• Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction 1: Half Time Draw
• Best Odds: 1.96
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction 2: Former Saint to see red

The card line is surprisingly lower than what I thought it would be at 5.5, but overs at the current price of 1.66 doesn’t appeal. Instead, I’m keen to target an individual who is likely to be carded at a much bigger price.

Ex-Southampton centre-back Vojnovic Lyanco has been one of Mineiro’s best defenders since returning to South America, but he’s not shy when it comes to picking up a card or two.

The 27-year-old heads into this final with four yellow cards to his name in his last five matches. He’s picked up eight in 12 Serie A matches, as well as one in his four Libertadores games. He was also booked against Botafogo in that feisty league match last week.

Milito prefers to line up with a central back three and use wing backs to support his strikers. With Botafogo so top heavy in attack, and they are the side expected to be in the ascendancy, Lyanco may well be isolated.

The Brazilian operates on the left of the back three, meaning he’s more vulnerable compared to his central partner when the opponents break or work their way into dangerous areas.

The longer this game holds out, the more we’ll likely see Botafogo dominate the ball. If Mineiro takes the lead, expect Lyanco – and plenty of his teammates – to take one for the team.

Lyanco, although a solid defender, isn’t blessed with pace – especially in comparison to the likes of Luiz Henrique who he’ll be marking at times. At 2.40, I’m very happy to put Lyanco’s name forward to pick up a card.

• Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction 2: Vojnovic Lyanco to be carded
• Best Odds: 2.40
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:30, November 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: H

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Lyanco, Battaglia, Alonso, Scarpa, Franco, Vera, Gomes, Hulk, Paulinho, Deyverson

Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Cuiabano, Barboza, Bastos, Vitinho, Gregore, Tche Tche, Savarino, Almada, Henrique, Jesus

Match Stats

• Mineiro’s Vojnovic Lyanco has received nine books from 16 matches across the league and Libertadores.
• Mineiro and Botafogo drew 0-0 nine days before the final at a neutral venue.
• Mineiro have been drawing at half time in three of their last five matches.

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