Botafogo vs São Paulo 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 Botafogo vs São Paulo prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Botafogo vs São Paulo Prediction 1: The title is on the line
Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Sunday, December 8th, 19:00 (UK)
It all comes down to this. Botafogo only have to avoid defeat if they are to win the Brasileirão title this Sunday. All Palmeiras can do is beat Fluminense and hope that their rivals can do them a favour.
It’s a tall order for a side that hasn’t finished the season strong, despite securing a Libertadores spot for next campaign. They have won just one of their last five away matches, and although that was a convincing 3-0 victory against Bahia, the City Group club have dropped off a cliff in recent weeks.
Botafogo somehow protected their early lead to beat Internacional midweek and maintain their three point gap on Palmeiras. The good news is that they haven’t lost at home since July, and are now 12 unbeaten in front of their own fans.
However, there may be one more twist in the tale before Botafogo get their hands on the trophy that escaped them last season. That’s because the Copa Libertadores champions have drawn four of their last five games in front of their own fans.
Two 0-0 draws against Gremio and Cuiaba were very underwhelming, while two 1-1 draws against Serie A new boys Vitoria and Criciuma wasn’t part of the script.
Prior to their 0-0 draw with Gremio, Artur Jorge’s side huffed and puffed against Sao Paulo in the Libertadores quarter-final – but the visitors held on, also drawing 0-0.
Sao Paulo’s form has been up and down of late, but they have secured five 0-0 draws this campaign. Botafogo did also know them out of the Libertadores on penalties, and perhaps Luis Zebeldia’s side are seeking revenge.
The longer the game goes 0-0 – as we have seen time and time again at the Nilton Santos of late – the hosts are going to start feeling the pressure. Sao Paulo may have nothing to play for, but with the pressure off, they are here to disrupt the party.
Botafogo will know Lucas Moura will be their main threat, but if they manage to keep him quiet there’s not many in-form players that the hosts will be worried about.
Sao Paulo did have one of the worst away records in the league last season, but it’s been much improved this time round, and only five teams have been better. Having only scored 21 and conceded 23 in 18 games, they prefer to try and soak up and frustrate opponents.
This has worked for a number of teams at the Nilton Santos of late, and with so much at stake, Botafogo won’t want to find themselves chasing the game. Jorge’s side can get over the line, but it might not be as easy as some will think.
- Botafogo vs São Paulo Prediction 1: Under 2.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 1.80
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Botafogo vs São Paulo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:00, December 5th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Botafogo vs São Paulo Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Historic title oh so close
Botafogo will be running on their last drops of adrenaline to get over the line and secure a historic double on Sunday evening. We won’t see too many changes, but goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez is expected to part ways for regular number one John Victor.
Lucas Moura has announced he has no intentions of retiring at the end of the season, and will play at least one more year with his boyhood club. Centre-back Robert Arboleda returned from injury in the heart of defence as Sao Paulo lost 2-1 against Juventude and the Ecuadorian is expected to keep his place once more.
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Telles, Barboza, Adryelson, Vitinho, Almada, Savarino, Freitas, Gregore, Henrique, Jesus
Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Rafael; Patryck, Franco, Arboleda, Vinicius, Luciano, Gustavo, Alisson, Erick, Moura, Silva
Match Stats: Tight tussle anticipated
- Botafogo drew 0-0 in the first leg of the Libertadores quarter final against Sao Paulo.
- Four of Botafogo’s last five league matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
- Sao Paulo have drawn 0-0 five times on the road this campaign.
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