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Boxing Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction Preview
It’s crunch time in the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals as the second legs take place, and our South American expert, Nathan Joyes, is on hand to provide his Sao Paulo vs Botafogo prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Botafogo felt frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, where they hit the crossbar twice and dominated the match. However, Luis Zebeldia’s side dug deep and came away with a priceless draw.
- Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Tip 1: Botafogo to qualify
- Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Tip 2: Botafogo Draw No Bet
- Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Tip 3: Botafogo 1-0 Correct Score
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction 1: Redemption for visitors
Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Thursday, September 26th, 01:30 (UK)
How Botafogo did not win in the first leg is a mystery. The hosts had 65% possession, 32 shots, double the passes to their opponents and hit the woodwork no less than three times.
The combination of Luis Henrique, Thiago Almada and Igor da Cruz caused Sao Paulo constant issues. The visitors were left chasing shadows throughout the 90 minutes and they would be the first to admit they didn’t deserve it.
This effectively puts Botafogo in a trickier situation than what they would have liked. However, the dominance shown can’t be overlooked and with Sao Paulo looking to be more attacking at home, this may play into Botafogo’s hands.
If Luis Zebeldia’s team overcommit at any point, Botafogo are one of the best teams in Brazil on the transition. They showed that in the previous round against Palmeiras, and showed real maturity away from home to see out the tie.
Artur Jorge has his side well-drilled and this will frustrate Sao Paulo as they see a different side to Botafogo’s game. For the visitors to progress in 90 minutes, extra-time of penalties, the price is too good to ignore.
- Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction 1: Botafogo to qualify
- Best Odds: 1.909
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction 2: Fogo a brilliant price
For those not wanting to go through the added stress of extra time and penalties, Botafogo remains a cracking bet to get the job done within 90 minutes.
Priced at 2.0, Jorge’s side haven’t lost to Sao Paulo since 2020, stretching back seven games. Although they shared a 2-2 draw in the league this season, the first leg was a real indicator that Botafogo can beat them at the third time of asking.
Domestically, Botafogo is superior. Topping the table, Sao Paulo are nine points behind in fifth spot. Less conceded and more scored, their Portuguese head coach has turned them into a winning machine – whether home or away.
Sao Paulo, admittedly, do perform better in front of their own fans. Yet with one win in five (at the time of writing) Zubeldia’s side have scored just once in those matches and with goals drying up, this isn’t an ideal time to be playing for a semi-final spot in the Libertadores.
Botafogo have spent heavy, but they’ve put together a team. Sao Paulo rely on experience, and Luiz Gustavo (37) and Rafinha (39) will struggle to keep up with Botafogo’s attackers across 90 minutes.
- Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction 2: Botafogo Draw No Bet
- Best Odds: 2.0
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction 3: Rare correct score selection
With Sao Paulo struggling in front of goal, I’m recommending quite possibly my second ever correct score tip with bettingexpert. This will no doubt be cagey. Botafogo will have spells of dominance, but it won’t quite be the same as the first leg on their artificial pitch.
Yet defensively they’ve improved tremendously. That’s why they sit on the top of the league table, and why they have made it to this stage of the tournament.
The addition of left-back Alex Telles was a huge signing and it’s helped to fill a void. Ex-Burnley right-back Vitinho has slotted in on the other side and has made them harder to beat.
Sao Paulo were extremely fortunate to draw in the first leg, but Botafogo have enough talent within their front line to punish them this time round, and one goal might just be enough to secure a semi-final spot.
Botafogo won 1-0 here back in 2022, and that result would once again be very much welcomed.
- Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction 3: Botafogo 1-0 Correct Score
- Best Odds: 6.50
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 3/10
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 13:00, September 19th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Possible Lineups: Almada and Henrique to be the difference
Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Rafael; Sabino, Arboleda, Franco, Welington, Gustavo, Bobadilla, Rafinha, Moura, Gomes, Calleri
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Telles, Barboza, Bastos, Vitinho, Freitas, Gregore, Almada, Savarino, Henrique, da Cruz
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Match Stats
- Botafogo fired 32 shots at Sao Paulo in the first leg.
- Botafogo remain unbeaten against Sao Paulo in their last five matches.
- Sao Paulo have scored just one goal in their last five games (at the time of writing).
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