Internacional vs Botafogo Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The Brasileirão title race is going to the wire, and our South American expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Internacional vs Botafogo prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Botafogo were crowned Copa Libertadores champions on Saturday – landing Nathan a 20.0 antepost pick – but now focus switches to completing the double. However, a trip south won’t be easy against one of the best teams in the league.
Can Internacional take advantage of a tired Botafogo side? Or will the visitors rally once more and secure a historic double?
Internacional vs Botafogo Prediction 1: Huge title deciding match
Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Thursday, December 5th, 00:30 (UK)
One more win might be enough to see Botafogo clinch the title for the first time in almost 30 years. Last season, they bottled an 18 point lead but this time round it has been a completely different story – so far.
No doubt Botafogo will be riding high from winning the Copa Libertadores on Saturday, which they celebrated long into the night, but this is once again another huge test for Artur Jorge’s men.
Botafogo are slightly fortunate Internacional lost their first match in 17 games at the weekend against Flamengo (3-2) which officially ruled them out of the title race. Their mood may be slightly deflated, but they are 13 unbeaten at home, and this is their final match of the season.
Having had to evacuate their stadium and training ground due to floods back in May, the club’s remarkable turnaround to finish in the top six and secure a Libertadores spot is quite incredible. It’ll be an emotional final home game of the season for the team on the rise, who will want to sign off the season in style.
Forwards Rafael Borre and Enner Valencia, alongside Wesley Ribeiro and Alan Patrick are why Inter have performed so well. An aggressive, on the front foot side have been lethal at home, and despite their loss to Flamengo, it would be foolish to rule them out disrupting Botafogo’s season right at the bitter end.
And they may get their opportunity. Botafogo had to play the Copa Libertadores final with ten men for 97 minutes after Gregore was sent off within 30 seconds. They then celebrated their victory, and deservedly so, before flying back to Rio on Sunday afternoon.
On Monday, they were celebrating with their fans with pre-planned parades, but by the time the ticker tape has been swept from the streets, it’ll be less than two days to before Botafogo are back in another big battle.
Having faced Palmeiras, Mineiro and now Internacional, there’s no doubt Botafogo won’t be at 100%. Adrenaline may carry them through, but the hosts have been relentless at home, and this is set to be one of the most entertaining games of the season.
However, you’d be foolish to write Botafogo off after their achievements to date. They have the best away record in the league for a reason, and the amount of attacking quality is beyond ridiculously good for this level.
Luiz Henrique was the player of the match in the Libertadores final, whereas Thiago Almada and Jefferson Savarino’s efforts all season long are why they are in pole position. Internacional will go toe-to-toe with the league leaders, and both teams to score looks a really attractive bet.
- Internacional vs Botafogo Prediction 1: BTTS Yes (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.80
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Internacional vs Botafogo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:00, December 2nd, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Internacional vs Botafogo Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Visitors to rotate?
Botafogo may choose to rotate slightly after their incredibly tough final against Mineiro. I say tough due to the fact they played the whole game with ten men, and facing Internacional, there’s no room for mistakes.
Gregore may not be one of those to make way. His controversial red card is still up for debate, but the central midfielder has been key to Botafogo’s title charge, and he will definitely be well rested heading into this clash.
Junior Santos, who scored the all important third, may be brought in after returning from his long lay off.
Internacional must decide whether to stick or twist with Enner Valencia. The Ecuadorian scored against Flamengo on Sunday, but Rafael Borre has often been preferred to lead the line, especially at home. Whoever starts, Inter will feel confident they can score against Botafogo.
Internacional possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Bernabei, Vitao, Rogel, Gomes, Patrick, Maia, Fernando, Tabata, Ribeiro, Valencia
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Telles, Barboza, Adryelson, Vitinho, Gregore, Freitas, Savarino, Almada, Henrique, Jesus
Match Stats: Two top sides set to battle
- Internacional have lost just one of their last 17 matches and are unbeaten at home in 13.
- Botafogo have the best away record in the league, picking up 35 points from 18 matches.
- Three of their last five meetings have seen both teams find the back of the net.
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