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Horse Racing Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The Brasileirão action is in full flow and with that, South American expert Nathan Joyes is back to provide a Flamengo vs Botafogo. prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
The hosts remain unbeaten after three matches, winning two and only conceding two goals in the process. Tite’s squad continue to show in the early stages of the season why they are the favourites, but Botafogo will try and have their say now they have a new manager at the helm.
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- Flamengo vs Botafogo Tip 1: Flamengo and Over 1.5 goals
- Flamengo vs Botafogo Tip 2: Nicolas de la Cruz to Score Anytime
- Flamengo vs Botafogo Tip 3: BTTS – Yes
Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction 1: Home comforts
Brazil, Brasileirão, Sunday, April 28th, 15:00 (UK)
After their opening day victory over Atletico GO, Flamengo went one better, securing a 2-1 deserved victory against Sao Paulo. Nicolas de la Cruz has already shown why.the Brazilian giants spent a large sum of money on the Uruguayan, having already scored two goals in those victories.
Their winning run came to an end with a 0-0 draw against Palmeiras at Allianz Parque, but in what can be seen as the toughest away fixture in the calendar, Tite will be delighted with the unbeaten start his side have made to the new campaign.
Although his side will travel to Bolivia in the Copa Libertadores during the week, the former Brazil head coach is likely to rotate on that trip and keep his key players fit and firing, ready for another test back in the league.
You have to go all the way back to the last game of the 2023 season the last time Flamengo lost, showing how much they have improved under their new head coach and why their squad full of superstars can compete across multiple competitions in 2024.
With a good mix of proven, experienced players and exciting youth products, Botafogo will have their work cut out on their first trip to the Maracana of the campaign.
After a disappointing defeat in round one against Cruzeiro, new head coach Artur Jorge has picked up two convincing victories, although both came against two newly promoted sides.
This will be a far greater test for his new side, who have failed to convince defensively as of yet.
Botafogo may have won this fixture last season, but Flamengo have changed drastically since under Tite and are very much the team to beat in 2024. In time, the visitors are likely to improve under the former Braga manager, but this won’t be an easy fixture for them and Flamengo can come out on top and showcase why they are the league’s favourites.
- Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction 1: Flamengo and Over 1.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 2.00
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction 2: Uruguayan’s price can’t be dismissed
Nicolas de la Cruz has adapted very well to life in Brazil. The Uruguayan not only scored a thunderbolt of a free kick, but he followed that up with The winning goal versus Sao Paulo.
Operating in a three man midfield, the 26-year-old has a licence to support not only the strikers but the wingers, meaning he can advance into attacking positions in and around the final third.
It’s highly unlikely he will travel to Bolivia or feature for long, meaning he will have been well and truly rested ahead of this key domestic league fixture.
Botafogo, on the other hand, can’t afford to rest anyone in their Copa Libertadores fixture, after a poor start in their group and tired legs may offer the Uruguayan a opportunity in and around the penalty box to add his third goal of the season.
After his free kick against Atletico GO, it’s possible the Uruguayan will continue to take dangerous free kicks and if he is awarded one or two on Sunday afternoon, you should be confident that he can step up and deliver at a rather generous price.
- Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction 2: Nicolas de la Cruz to Score Anytime
- Best Odds: 7.50
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 5/10
Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction 3: Visitors can fire home
Despite having issues defensively, Botafogo have shown a real knack in front of goal. They have only failed to score in one of their last five games, which came against LDU Quito in high altitude. A result which can be taken with a pinch of salt.
Although falling short at home to Junior in the Copa Libertadores, Botafogo found the net and looked threatening on multiple occasions. A 3-2 loss against Cruzeiro wasn’t the ideal start to the league Botafogo wanted, but have since performed strongly at home against Atletico GO and then Juventude, scoring six goals across both of those matches.
Key signings have been made in the final third, which has allowed Botafogo to be more attacking and more unpredictable. New additions.Have strengthened the side Junior Santos and Tiquinho Soares have returned to the scoresheet in recent weeks and are continuing to show their worth.
Flamengo may have held Palmeiras to a 0-0 draw, But conceded at the Maracana 2, Sao Paulo as well as to the league new boys Atletico GO.
With fixtures coming thick and fast, it’s going to be difficult for Flamengo to keep every side out and although Botafogo may be defensively struggling, the visitors have one of the best attacks in the league.
Priced at evens, it’s definitely worth chancing Botafogo to rock the boat even if they lose.
Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, April 22nd, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Flamengo vs Botafogo Team News and Possible Lineups: Refreshed and ready to go
Although yet to be announced, I’d be surprised if Flamengo take a full strength side till a pass to play Bolivar in their Copa Libertadores group stage match. Having to face Palmeiras, Bolivar and Botafago within ten days is almost impossible, and Tite will protect his key players rather than let them compete in the high altitude in Bolivia’s capital.
After two Copa Libertadores defeats, Botafogo do not have the luxury of resting their best players in their midweek tie prior to facing Flamengo. As a result of this, it’s likely Flamengo will have the upper hand heading into round four.
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Lucas, Pereira, Bruno, Varela, Pulgar, Allan, de la Cruz, Everton, Pedro, Henrique
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Fernandez; Hugo, Bastos, Lucas Halter, Ponte, Savarino, Jeffinho, Barbosa, Freitas, Santos, Tiquinho Soares
Match Stats: History favours the favourites
- Flamingo has won four of the last five head to heads against Botafogo.
- Botafogo won 3-2 in this fixture last year which was also played in round four.
- Both teams found the back of the net in both league fixtures in 2023.
Flamengo Fixtures: Three different competitions
- Vs Amazonas (H)
- Vs Bragantino (A)
- Vs Palestino (A)
- Vs Corinthians (H)
- Vs Bolivar (H)
Botafogo. Fixtures: Crucial Libertadores home games
- Vs Victoria (H)
- Vs Bahia (H)
- Vs LDU Quito (H)
- Vs Fortaleza (A)
- Vs Universitario (A)
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