Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Brasileirão action continues this weekend and South American expert Nathan Joyes is back to provide his Botafogo vs Bahia. prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Botafogo have picked up lately securing four wins on the bounce, including a convincing victory against Flamengo at the Maracana. Although their opponents arrive on the back of a win vs Gremio, their away form is rather concerning and the hosts can take full advantage. 

Fancy a sneak peak into the Brazilian Serie A outrights? Look no further: Brazil Serie A Outright Preview.

• Botafogo vs Bahia Tip 1: Botafogo to Win
• Botafogo vs Bahia Tip 2: Botafogo to Score Over 1.5 Goals
• Botafogo vs Bahia Tip 3: Luiz Henrique to Score Anytime

Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction 1: Hosts to carry on strong momentum

Brazil, Brasileirão, Sunday, May 5th, 22:30 (UK)

Botafogo’s success in 2024 was always going to be down to their next managerial appointment. So far, the decision to bring in Braga’s Artur Jorge has been an excellent one.

Having come in whilst the squad had no guidance, three defeats – including two in the Libertadores – wasn’t ideal for the Portuguese manager but the performances highlighted the areas he needed to fix.

Since his tactical tweaks, Botafogo has won four matches on the bounce, scoring ten goals, and secured a statement victory against league favourites Flamengo at the Maracana last weekend.

Having conceded just two goals from those four wins, Jorge has managed to tighten up his leaky defence in a matter of weeks, while allowing his attacking recruits to have a more fluid licence in the final third.

Bahia have started the campaign strongly, beating both Fluminense and Gremio at home in their first two matches at Arena Fonte Nova.

However, a 2-1 defeat to Internacional and 2-2 draw with recently promoted Vitoria has shown vulnerability on the road. In fact, they haven’t won any of their last five matches away from home, conceding at least two in all of them.

With Botafogo finding their feet, looking dangerous in the final third and more alert at the back, the hosts can continue to showcase why they are capable of competing for the title.

• Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction 1: Botafogo to Win (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction 2: New recruits to enjoy themselves

As already mentioned, Botafogo are enjoying themselves in front of goal of late. Not many leave the Maracana with three points, but to score two goals and not concede would have really impressed their new head coach.

Having previously ran riot vs Juventude in round three, scoring five goals spread amongst five different goalscorers, before three goals against Universitario in the Libertadores, Botafogo don’t rely on one or two players.

Having heavily invested in attacking options during the off-season, we’re finally seeing them gel and come together. Although Tiquinho Soares is out injured for a while, and he will be a big loss, Botafogo have players who can fill the void – something they didn’t last year.

It also makes them less predictable. All players operating in the final third can play across the line and aren’t restricted to a central, classic number nine role. With defenders to continue guessing their attacking patterns, Bahia will be pulled apart once more.

Botafogo are a great price to win, but are capable of doing it in style in front of their own fans.

• Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction 2: Botafogo Over 1.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 2.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction 3: Transfer record signing has found his feet

Luiz Henrique was the talk of the town when Botafogo decided to smash the Brazilian transfer record and bring him in from Real Betis for around 20 million euros.

As with any signing, the winger took a few games to adapt, but in recent weeks we’re already starting to see why John Textor was keen to invest in him.

Goals vs Universitario in the Copa Libertadores before a beautifully stroked home goal against Flamengo at the Maracana showed how important he will be if the team are to achieve success this season.

Capable of picking the ball up on the right hand side and drifting in field, or moving across to a central role to take control, Henrique’s quick feet and long stride puts defenders on edge.

With a high level of composure inside the area, there’s every reason to believe the Brazilian will hit double figures back in Serie A and at home is where he’ll truly come alive.

• Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction 3: Luiz Henrique to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 4.50
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, April 29th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Botafogo vs Bahia Team News and Possible Lineups: No Tiquinho no problem for hosts

Having picked up an injury during Botafogo’s Copa Libertadores match vs Universitario, it looks as though Tiquinho Soares will miss the next month at the very least.

However, due to the amount of attacking signings the club made during the off-season, this offers opportunities to Jeffinho, Savarino and Junior Santos – three players who could slot into most attacks across the league.

Bahia are fortunate enough to have no real injury concerns in the early stages of the season, but may look to rotate as they have a midweek clash vs Criciuma in the Copa do Brasil – a tournament held in high regard due to its financial reward being greater than the league.

Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Fernandez; Hugo, Bastos, Lucas Halter, Ponte, Savarino, Jeffinho, Barbosa, Freitas, Santos, Henrique

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Marcos Felipe; Luciano Juba, Kanu, Gabriel Xavier, Arias, Thaciano, Cauly, Everton Ribeiro, Jean Lucas, Caio Alexandre, Everaldo

Match Stats: Recent results favour hosts

• Last year, Botafogo did the double over Bahia domestically.
• Botafogo won this fixture 3-0 in 2023.
• Botafogo has scored at least two goals against Bahia in their last two fixtures.

Botafogo Fixtures: Crucial Copa Libertadores games 

• Vs LDU Quito (H)
• Vs Fortaleza (A)
• Vs Universitario (A)
• Vs Corinthians (A)
• Vs Vitoria (A)

Bahia Fixtures: Serie A new boys twice

• Vs Bragantino (H)
• Vs Atletico MG (A)
• Vs Cruciuma (A)
• Vs CRB (H)
• Vs Cruciuma (H)

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