Football 
Tennis 
Horse Racing RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction: Team News and Betting Tips
The Copa Libertadores final group stage spots will be decided this week, and Nathan Joyes provides his RB Bragantino vs Botafogo prediction, team news, and lineups preview.
The visitors head into the second leg with a narrow 2-1 lead, who’ll be hoping they can keep RB Bragantino at arm’s length and progress to the group stage. Our RB Bragantino vs Botafogo prediction is for the match to end 1-2.
- RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Tip 1: Botafogo +0.5 Asian Handicap
- RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Tip 2: Junior Santos to Score Anytime
- RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Tip 3: BTTS – Yes
RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Tip 1: Visitors to hold firm
Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Thursday, March 14th, 00:30 (UK)
After a successful first leg victory, Botafogo head to Estadio Nabi Abi Chedid looking to protect their 2-1 lead. With a Libertadores group stage spot on the line, there’s plenty at stake, and although they might have thrown away the league title last year, they’ve shown a different side to their game of late.
A 4-2 win at the Maracana vs Libertadores holders Fluminense in the Carioca showed resilience and bravery on and off the ball away from home – something we haven’t witnessed with Botafogo for a while.
However, even without a permanent head coach after Thiago Nunes’ dismissal, they’ve come together when many expected it to go the other way.
Their opponents, although they suffered their first defeat in ten against Botafogo, have lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.
Two 0-0 draws vs Colombian outfit Aguilas in the previous round was highly frustrating for the fans. Expected to ease through the tie, three shots at home across 120 minutes wasn’t good enough – and won’t be against Botafogo.
Priced at almost evens to not lose, Botafogo will be confident they can keep Bragantino at arm’s length and limit their young attackers, who aren’t known for scoring often.
- RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction 1: Botafogo Asian Handicap +0.5 (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.970
- Bookmaker: Unibet
- Stake: 8/10
RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction 2: Defences to be tested
As mentioned, Bragantino have been on a good run of form before their defeat vs Botafogo in the first leg.
A nine-match unbeaten run has seen them score in eight of those, only sharing a 0-0 draw in the sweltering hot Medellin.
Although they are lacking goalscorers across their starting XI, Botafogo have shown weaknesses from set pieces and not concentrating for the entire 90 minutes. Bragantino exploited this with their goal in the first leg when Juninho Capixaba scored from a simple cross into the box.
Bragantino needs at least one goal, and they’ll certainly have their tails up and put Botafogo under pressure during certain periods of the game. The visitors may be their own victims at one point in the match, which will see the hosts fire home.
However, a huge blow for Bragantino is the loss of Leo Ortiz just before the first leg. Their towering centre-back and captain has completed his transfer to Flamengo, leaving a huge gap in the defence.
Junior Santos exploited that with his brace – and when the markets open up, I’d recommend backing him to score first.
With Bragantino’s best defender out of the picture, Botafogo can punish them.
- RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction 2: BTTS – Yes
- Best Odds: 1.90
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction 3: A hammer blow at the death
As we saw in Botafogo’s 4-2 victory over Fluminense, their ability to counterattack quickly saw them score two goals right at the death to win the match.
Although they gave away a penalty in the 86th minute, which John Kennedy converted, Botafogo didn’t fold – something we saw time and time again last campaign.
Instead, they hit Fluminense with a couple of counterattacks, which were effective, stunning those inside the Maracana.
Bragantino will need to go for it on Thursday. The longer the game goes on without a goal, this plays perfectly into Botafogo’s hands.
With Junior Santos able to carry the ball up the pitch quickly and with Tiquinho Soares waiting in the box, the visitors are priced rather generously to win either half.
- RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction 3: Botafogo to Win a Half
- Best Odds: 2.60
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10
RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction odds via bet365 and Unibet as at 10:00, March 9th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Team News and Possible Lineups: Little Concern
It appears as though both teams will head into this crucial fixture with no fresh injury concerns to worry about from the first leg.
Although Botafogo have several key injuries out, including Jeffinho and Luiz Henrique, Junior Santos has stepped up in recent weeks, and it was his brace which saw them win the first leg in front of the Botafogo fans.
Goals are a worry for the hosts, but Eduardo Sasha will be their best chance. The 32-year-old has scored two goals in his last five matches and will more than likely lead the line.
RB Bragantino possible starting lineup: Cleiton; Juninho Capixaba, Luan Candido, Lucas Cunha, Mendes, Ramires, Jadson Silva, Lincoln, Eduardo Sasha, Helinho, Borbas
Botafogo possible starting lineup: Fernandez, Hugo, Barboza, Lucas Halter, Suarez, Tche Tche, Gregore, Carlos Eduardo, Savarino, Junior Santos, Tiquinho Soares
Match Stats: Recent history favours the visitors
- Botafogo defeated Bragantino 2-1 in the first leg.
- Botafogo remain unbeaten in their last five matches vs Bragantino.
- Botafogo have scored two goals vs Bragantino in four of the last five matches.
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.
