Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The Brasileirão fixtures are coming thick and fast which means our South American expert, Nathan Joyes, provides his Botafogo vs Flamengo prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
It’s first vs third but this fixture comes at a terrible time for both clubs, as it is sandwiched in between their Copa Libertadores round of 16 ties. With a second leg lined up against Palmeiras for Botafogo, while Flamengo face the dreaded trip to La Paz, neither side will want any injuries over the weekend.
- Botafogo vs Flamengo Tip 1: BTTS No
- Botafogo vs Flamengo Tip 2: Giorgian De Arrascaeta shot on target
- Botafogo vs FlamengoTip 3: Luis Cuiabano shot on target
Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:00, August 13th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction 1: Close encounter
Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Sunday, August 18th, 22:30 (UK)
This looks like a tasty match on paper, and perhaps it will still live up to the hype, but in between two key Copa Libertadores matches for both sides takes the gloss of it.
A trip to Allianz Parque awaits for Botafogo, yet a trip to the Andes mountains to face Bolivar in La Paz is a fixture Flamengo will be dreading. Neither side will want tired legs going into their respective matches next week.
Still, this is first vs third and neither side will want to lose. Botafogo shocked Flamengo at the Maracana earlier in the campaign with a 2-0 victory, and the hosts will fancy themselves to repeat that result.
Flamengo drew with Palmeiras late on last weekend, but Tite’s side rarely threatened, and were fortunate to come away with a point. Botafogo’s Artur Jorge will have taken plenty of notes and will look to stifle Tite’s attacking players on home soil.
With plenty at stake, and eyes elsewhere, a third straight game between both teams to score no winning bet between these two sides looks entirely possible.
Side bet: At the time of writing, card bets are yet to be priced, but for those expecting plenty of wild tackles and drama, hold your horses. Backing unders might be the way to play it.
- Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction 1: BTTS No
- Best Odds: 1.950
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction 2: No.10 to hit the target
Flamengo’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta thought he was the match winner against Palmeiras last weekend with his 70th minute tap in, but he will once again be a key player in transition for the visitors.
This was his seventh goal of the season across all competitions, who constantly looks to drift into the space between the opponents defence and midfield.
Tite allows his Uruguayan to move with purpose both on and off the ball, and it’s de Arrascaeta who enjoys shooting when an opportunity presents itself.
Fla’s midfielder has hit the target in his last five matches, including an effort from the halfway line against Criciuma, showing how confident he is in his own ability.
Across the vast majority of free kicks in attacking areas, the Uruguayan will be hoping for a few free hits if Botafogo’s defence makes an error or two.
- Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction 2: Giorgian de Arrascaeta shot on target
- Best Odds: 1.727
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10
Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction 3: Count on Cuiabano
Botafogo’s 21-year-old Luis Cuiabano has been a shining light since his move from Gremio, scoring four goals in his 15 league matches to date.
His standout performances have seen Artur Jorge bring him into the starting XI, and once again he justified that with a goal vs Juventude.
The former Gremio player has scored against Mineiro, Sao Paulo and Juventude in recent weeks as he continues to be one of the club’s star players despite the influx of expensive signings.
Whether he’s rising high to head home in the box from crosses or driving into the box, Cuiabano has an array of finishes in his locker, and his accuracy when shooting with his preferred left foot is often very accurate.
If Jorge chooses to rotate some of his players with one eye on the Palmeiras fixture, I’m expecting Cuiabano to keep his place due to the role he has within his system. Expect plenty of runs into the box and attacking areas, and priced rather generously, I’m hopeful he can hit the target at least once across the 90 minutes.
- Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction 3: Luis Cuiabano shot on target
- Best Odds: 2.50
- Bookmaker:
- Stake: 6/10
Botafogo vs Flamengo Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: Rotations expected
As mentioned, the Copa Libertadores matches will keep us guessing when it comes to the starting XIs for both sides. However, this is a crucial game in the league, and Flamengo can’t afford to lose and see Botafogo extend their lead at the top of the table.
Carlos Alberto led the line for Botafogo in their 3-2 defeat against Juventude, as Tiquinho Soares continues to miss out due to injury. He will be a big miss for Jorge on Sunday evening.
Tite has been stubborn this season, refusing to change his team unless forced. Pedro, leading the way for the golden boot, is their main hope of scoring goals and it would be a surprise to see him benched. The Brazilian has scored 10 of their 35 goals this season, as well as providing five assists.
One noticeable absence for the visitors will be Everton, who was stretchered off against Palmeiras and looks set to be out for some time.
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Barboza, Halter, Ponte, Cuiabano, Almada, Romero, Allan, Barbosa, Martins, Alberto
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Lucas, Luiz, Bruno, Wesley, Pulgar, de la Cruz, de Arrascaeta, Araujo, Gerson, Pedro
Match Stats
- Both teams to score no have landed in their last two head to head matches.
- Georgian de Arrascaeta has hit the target in his last five games.
- Luis Cuiabano scored last time out against Juventude, making it four goals in his 14 league appearances for his new club.
Safer Gambling
At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.
Other Brazil Serie A match predictions on bettingexpert
- August 17th: Atletico MG vs Cuiaba match predictions
- August 17th: Gremio vs Bahia match predictions
- August 17th: Red Bull Bragantino vs Fortaleza match predictions
- August 18th: Fluminense vs Corinthians match predictions
- August 18th: Atletico GO vs Internacional match predictions
- August 18th: Criciuma vs Vasco da Gama match predictions
- August 18th: Palmeiras vs Sao Paulo match predictions
- August 18th: Athletico Paranaense vs Juventude match predictions
- August 18th: Botafogo RJ vs Flamengo match predictions
