South American Acca Tips: Botafogo to bounce back while Santos may suffer

As Brazil’s Serie A starts to take shape, points are becoming even more valuable at both ends of the table. Santos threw away a 2-0 lead last weekend late on and continues to struggle away from home, while Corinthians have the perfect opportunity to carry on their recent good form. At the top of the table, Botafogo will be desperate to bounce back after rescuing a point late last Sunday.

• Fluminense vs Santos: Fluminense to win
• Corinthians vs Vasco: Corinthians to win
• Botafogo vs Coritiba: Botafogo to win

Acca odds: 5.75

Odds via bet365 as at 08::00, July 27th 2023. Odds may now differ.

Fluminense vs Santos: Flu to fly high before crucial Libertadores clash

Brazil, Serie A, Saturday, 29th July, 20:00 (UK)

Although Fluminense will have one eye on their Copa Libertadores fixture against Argentinos Jrs next week, they can’t afford to rest players domestically.

With no away wins in their last 12 matches in all competitions, Diniz is relying on home form to keep up with the front runners. However, 18 games unbeaten at the Maracana shows where their strengths lie.

The Brazilian interim manager’s football philosophy tears up the rulebook, as we know, with his “positionless” style of play. With no set formation in the opponent’s half, Diniz’s side often overruns teams, and this has been a huge factor in why Diniz landed the national team role.

Santos, on the other hand, has been really poor on the road. A 4-1 defeat to Sao Paulo, before a 3-0 defeat to Cuiaba, shows even with the recent change of management, more still needs to change.

Even during Santos’ recent 2-2 draw with league leaders Botafogo, their xG was 0.76, relying on Marcus Leonardo to score with both their only shots on target. Fluminense will look to limit his play, and this ultimately puts a stop to any meaningful threat Santos possesses.

Goals have been a little hard to come by for Fluminense in recent weeks. However, opportunities haven’t. Against Santos, who won’t be able to remain switched on for the entire 90, will leave gaps which German Cano and Co will exploit.

Corinthians vs Vasco: Corinthians to carry on their vastly improved form

Brazil, Serie A, Saturday July 29th, 22:30 (UK)

Another defeat last week made it just one victory in ten matches for Vasco de Gama. Factoring in they have lost the other nine, the club looks destined for Serie B unless something drastic changes.

Since their surprising opening day victory away to Atletico Mineiro, Vasco hasn’t won an away match all season in Serie A.

Although Corinthians have endured plenty of their own issues this season, a trip to the Neo Quimica Arena could not have come at a worse time.

With five wins and a draw from their last six matches, Corinthians will have a spring in their step – a first-leg victory over Sao Paulo in the Copa do Brasil midweek, as well as progressing in the Sudamericana, they’ve slowly begun to find their feet.

The recent addition of Racing Club’s Matias Rojas was a truly remarkable signing. The Paraguayan winger has been in phenomenal form in Argentina, and perhaps it was the boost they needed. With the pressure now slightly off Roger Guedes in front of goal, Corinthians have added another dimension to their play.

Priced at 1.83, I’d have thought Corinthians would be slightly shorter, given both teams’ current form, and another home victory is expected.

Botafogo vs Coritiba: League leaders to return to winning ways

Brazil, Serie A Sunday July 30th, (20:00) (UK)

Botafogo had the perfect environment to pick up three points last weekend and failed. Santos were playing behind closed doors and found themselves 2-0 up with six minutes left on the clock. However, Bruno Lage’s side fought back to somehow secure a point – and had two big chances to complete the turnaround in added time.

There’s no need to panic just yet, as the surprise runaway leaders are still 11 points clear – although it was a reminder of how unforgiving Serie A can be.

Yet back in front of their own supporters, they should continue to thrive. Collecting 24 points from eight matches is rather impressive form. What’s even more impressive is the fact they’ve scored 16 goals and conceded just once. That came in the 17th minute in round 1, and they haven’t conceded since. This run stretches all the way back to April.

At the heart of their success is Tiquinho Soares. The 32-year-old Brazilian has scored 11 Serie A goals in 15 appearances and scored the first of the two against Santos last week.

It’s worth noting their opponents have been in good form themselves. A 2-0 win over Fluminense meant their unbeaten run stretched to four games. However, away from home, they’ve struggled. Straight off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Palmeiras in June, a 5-1 hammering followed from Gremio.

Up against the best teams away from their own patch, Coritiba haven’t been able to match their home form. A 3-0 defeat to Flamengo as well as losing 3-2 to Atletico PR after leading 2-0, indicates just that.

Botafogo have a point to prove after last week’s disappointment. Although Coritiba arrives in good nick, the current leaders aren’t ready to falter just yet. A home win priced at 1.50 will only be shorter at kick-off. Adding under four match goals creates an added layer of value worth taking.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

At bettingexpert, we always take a responsible approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.