Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Brasileirão has returned after its two week break and South American expert Nathan Joyes is back to provide his Botafogo vs Fluminense prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Due to the flooding in the south of Brazil, the league has been suspended for two weeks, which arguably came at a good time for Fluminense. However, Fernando Diniz knows his job is on the line after a poor start to the campaign and a tough trip across the capital awaits midweek.

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

• Botafogo vs Fluminense Tip 1: Botafogo -0.5 Asian Handicap
• Botafogo vs Fluminense Tip 2: Junior Santos Anytime Goalscorer
• Botafogo vs Fluminense Tip 3: Botafogo Over 1.5 Goals

Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction 1: Hosts to pile on the misery

Brazil, Brasileirão, Wednesday, June 12th, 00:00 (UK)

Fluminense may be on a four match unbeaten run at present, but there’s little to enjoy about their campaign of late. Two home wins in the Libertadores may look good on paper, but squeezing past lowly opposition with no clean sheets is cause for concern – especially for those who follow the Rio de Janeiro based club.

The other victory was a 2-0 win in the Copa do Brasil over Serie B outfit Sampaio Correa, but Flu failed to find their rhythm despite fielding a strong side – and the fans in attendance were not impressed and made their opinions known.

A return to Serie A action saw them struggle once again at the Maracana, this time being held to a 1-1 draw by recently promoted Juventude. Diniz’s job is definitely on the line as they have continued to regress since their Libertadores success only seven months ago.

Their opponents, Botafogo, are in a slightly better mood. Currently on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, the club is more settled with the introduction of Braga’s manager Artur Jorge.

The Portuguese coach has brought in a stability at the back which was severely lacking, and have now conceded just one in their last four matches. Attacking wise, Botafogo has so many options, it hasn’t ever really been a concern this year.

At home, Botafogo can add another three points against a team who have continuously struggled on the road under Diniz.

• Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction 1: Botafogo -0.5 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 2.07
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction 2: Striker to show his worth

Having scored three goals in his last six appearances, Junior Santos has continued to find his stride while Tiquinho Soares sits out due to injury.

Able to play anywhere across the front three (or four), Santos is one of Botafogo’s most dangerous players in the final despite the influx of signings in that area. 

With the likes of Jefferson Savarino, Jeffinho and Luiz Henrique supporting the 29-year-old, it’s no surprise to see him amongst the goals.

Yet it’s a testament to his finishing ability. Santos is capable inside and outside the area with both feet, and enjoys dribbling his way through defences and charging into the box.

Fluminense’s ageing, weak defence has continuously been caught out this season. Having conceded seven goals on the road from three matches without picking up a single point, Santos should get plenty of opportunities on Wednesday evening.

• Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction 2: Junior Santos Anytime Goalscorer
• Best Odds: 3.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction 3: Hosts to carve open their visitors

Fluminense had the third worst form in Serie A last season and that trend has continued in 2024. In all three of their matches on the road, Flu have conceded at least two goals, as an unsettled defence continues to underperform.

Diniz has fielded an entirely different defence across all three of those matches as he looks to resolve his current issues, but a lack of consistency continues to hinder his side.

With that in mind, Diniz won’t be relishing the short trip across town. Botafogo are one of the most exciting attacking teams in Brazil with the amount of talent they have at their disposal. Where Flu could only put one past Juventude, Botafogo scored five. Jorge’s side then put three past Universitario three days later in the Libertadores.

The hosts are dangerous, and an early goal could really set the tone for a side struggling to keep the ball out of the net. They may be unbeaten in four, but only Sampaio Correa failed to score – despite having a goal ruled out and several key chances which ruffled the feathers of the home side.

Botafogo are expected to win the match, but there’s no reason why they can’t do it in style.

• Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction 3: Botafogo Over 1.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 2.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, June 7th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Botafogo vs Fluminense Team News and Possible Lineups: No Tiquinho no problem

Botafogo remain without last year’s top goalscorer, Tiquinho Soares, but Junior Santos has stepped up and delivered in his absence. Soares’ ageing legs has meant he has lost his mobility, whereas Santos has shown on several occasions he can still be their main man.

Artur Jorge’s biggest headache is working on how to keep his squad happy with more additions coming in the door. However, fighting across three different competitions, Botafogo finally have a squad capable of competing in all of them, whereas last year they simply ran out of steam.

Fluminense aren’t a settled side right now. German Cano has failed to deliver in front of goal and although John Kennedy has returned to the squad after his off-field antics, Diniz has yet to trust him from the start. That could, however, cost him his job.

Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Cuiabano, Bastos, Lucas Halter, Suarez, Freitas, Daniel Barbosa, Savarino, Tche Tche, Junior Santos, Luiz Henrique

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
  Fabio; Marcelo, Felipe Melo, Marlon, Santos, Ganso, Martinelli, Alexsander, Arias, Cano, Keno

Match Stats: Hosts to maintain unbeaten run

• Botafogo has won four of their last five matches at home in all competitions.
• Fluminense has lost all three of their Serie A matches on the road this season.
• Junior Santos has scored 17 goals across all competitions already in 2024.

Botafogo Fixtures: Testing matches on their travels

• Vs Gremio (A)
• Vs Athletico PR (H)
• Vs Criciuma (A)
• Vs Bragantino (H)
• Vs Vasco (A)

Fluminense Fixtures: Crunch time for Diniz

• Vs Atletico GO (H)
• Vs Cruzeiro (A)
• Vs Flamengo (H)
• Vs Vitoria (H)
• Vs Gremio (A)

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.