Botafogo RJ vs Grêmio Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 22 November

Botafogo RJ vs Grêmio Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 22 November. In this Serie A clash, Botafogo RJ will face Grêmio in what promises to be a significant matchup. Both teams are aiming to strengthen their positions in the league, and this encounter could play a crucial role in shaping their season’s outcomes.

Although the venue details remain unspecified, the intensity of the competition is undeniable. Botafogo RJ, playing at home, will look to take advantage of familiar surroundings, while Grêmio will be eager to secure an away victory. With both teams having much at stake, this match is set to be a compelling contest in Serie A.

Botafogo RJ vs Grêmio Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Botafogo RJ to Win	1.58

Considering the current form and circumstances for both teams, our recommended betting tip is for Botafogo RJ to win. Botafogo have shown consistent performance, especially at home, while Grêmio are struggling with numerous key injuries that could significantly impact their game.

• Botafogo RJ are unbeaten in their last six matches in this competition, demonstrating solid form and confidence.
• Grêmio are dealing with significant injuries to key players, which weakens their defensive and midfield strength.
• Botafogo RJ’s recent 3-0 victory over Vasco da Gama highlights their attacking prowess and ability to dominate matches.

Betting Odds

Botafogo RJ are clear favourites in this Serie A clash, with betting odds reflecting their strong home form. Grêmio, on the other hand, are seen as underdogs, offering higher returns for those willing to back an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Botafogo RJ to win	1.58
Draw	3.79
Grêmio to win	5.6

The draw is attractively priced, suggesting that bookmakers see the potential for a tightly contested match. For punters, exploring the over 2.5 goals market might be worthwhile, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

Botafogo RJ Analysis & Past Performance

Botafogo RJ have been displaying commendable resilience and form in recent matches, currently sitting 5th in the Serie A standings with 55 points. Over their last five fixtures, they have secured two wins and three draws, remaining undefeated. Notably, they achieved a convincing 3-0 victory over Vasco da Gama and a hard-fought 3-2 win against Sport Recife.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Botafogo RJ	Sport Recife	3 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	18 Nov 2025
Vitoria	Botafogo RJ	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	9 Nov 2025
Botafogo RJ	Vasco da Gama	3 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	5 Nov 2025
Mirassol	Botafogo RJ	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	1 Nov 2025
Botafogo RJ	Santos FC	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	26 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• WDWDD

Botafogo RJ’s offensive strategy has been effective, averaging 1.60 goals per match in their last five games. Defensively, they have been solid, conceding an average of 0.80 goals per game and achieving three clean sheets. Their ability to maintain defensive solidity while capitalising on scoring opportunities underscores their balanced approach. At home, Botafogo RJ have been particularly formidable, winning three out of their last five home games, showcasing a strong home win ratio of 0.60.

Botafogo RJ Suspensions & Injuries

Botafogo RJ will face significant challenges due to a number of injuries and suspensions affecting their squad depth and tactical flexibility. The absence of Alex Telles, suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation, is a major blow to their defensive stability. His suspension may force coach Davide Ancelotti to shuffle his defensive line, possibly bringing in David Ricardo to fill the gap at left-back. This could weaken the team’s defensive cohesion, especially against a strong Grêmio attack.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left	Projected Return
Alex Telles	Accumulation of yellow cards	1	To be confirmed

The injury list is equally troubling for Botafogo RJ, with key players such as Bastos, Neto, and Kaio all ruled out for the season. The midfield is particularly hard hit, with Matheus Martins and Nathan Fernandes sidelined due to thigh injuries, returning in late November and mid-December respectively. Santiago Rodríguez and Joaquín Correa, both nursing muscle injuries, might return in a few days, offering some hope to the squad’s attacking options. Christopher Ramos remains doubtful, which could impact the effectiveness of the forward line.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bastos	Knee injury	Out for season
Neto	Thigh injury	Out for season
Kaio	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Matheus Martins	Thigh injury	Late November 2025
Nathan Fernandes	Thigh injury	Mid December 2025
Santiago Rodríguez	Muscle injury	Few days
Joaquín Correa	Muscle injury	Few days
Christopher Ramos	Unknown	Doubtful

These absences necessitate tactical adjustments, likely resulting in a more conservative approach, focusing on counter-attacks rather than possession. The lack of depth could also influence the betting markets, as Botafogo RJ’s ability to maintain their current form is severely compromised without these key players.

Botafogo RJ Key Players

Botafogo RJ’s attacking prowess will heavily rely on Jefferson Savarino, their top scorer with four goals. Savarino, operating in midfield, has been instrumental in linking play and providing crucial goals. His ability to navigate tight spaces and deliver precise passes makes him a vital playmaker in Botafogo’s strategy. Savarino’s partnership with forward Arthur Cabral, known for his physicality and goal-scoring instincts, could be decisive in breaking down Grêmio’s defence.

Expected lineup for Botafogo RJ

• Goalkeeper: Léo Linck
• Defenders: Vitinho, David Ricardo, Alexander Barboza, Cuiabano
• Midfielders: Danilo, Marlon Freitas, Jefferson Savarino
• Forwards: Artur, Jeffinho, Arthur Cabral

In defence, the solidity of Alexander Barboza will be critical. Barboza’s aerial strength and tackling ability provide a robust backbone for the team. Meanwhile, Marlon Freitas in midfield is expected to offer both defensive cover and creative impetus, setting the tempo for Botafogo RJ’s play. These key players form the core of Botafogo’s tactical approach, combining defensive resilience with attacking flair, which will be crucial as they aim to secure a vital victory against Grêmio.

Botafogo RJ Tactics and Formation

Botafogo RJ Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Christopher Ramos
• Midfield Engine: Marlon Freitas and Danilo
• Defensive Solidity: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Dominating possession with a high pressing style.

Botafogo RJ often line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, which provides a balance between defensive stability and attacking prowess. The lone striker, Christopher Ramos, is pivotal in leading the line, supported by a dynamic midfield. Marlon Freitas and Danilo serve as the engine room, responsible for dictating the tempo and linking play between defence and attack.

Defensively, the backline is marshalled by Alexander Barboza and David Ricardo, offering resilience and aerial dominance. The inclusion of experienced full-backs like Alex Telles allows Botafogo RJ to maintain defensive discipline while contributing to attacking phases. This setup has been effective, resulting in three clean sheets in their last five outings.

Offensively, Botafogo RJ’s strategy revolves around high pressing and maintaining possession, with a 60% possession rate in their last match against Sport Recife. This approach not only mitigates opposition threats but also creates high-quality chances by exploiting defensive lapses.

Grêmio Analysis & Past Performance

Grêmio’s recent form has been mixed, with their last five matches yielding two wins, two losses, and one draw. Their latest outing resulted in a solid 2-0 victory against Vasco da Gama, showcasing a robust defensive display and an effective attack led by top scorer Carlos Vinícius, who has netted eight goals this season.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Grêmio	Vasco da Gama	2 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	20 Nov 2025
Fortaleza	Grêmio	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	9 Nov 2025
Grêmio	Cruzeiro	0 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	5 Nov 2025
Corinthians	Grêmio	2 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	2 Nov 2025
Grêmio	Juventude	3 – 1 (Win)	Serie A	26 Oct 2025

Recent Form:
Despite their recent home victory, Grêmio have struggled with consistency, especially away from home, where they have failed to secure a win in their last five outings, drawing two and losing three. This has contributed to their current 11th place in the league standings with 43 points. The team’s away win ratio stands at a concerning 0.00, indicating their challenges on the road.

Performance Analysis:
Offensively, Grêmio average 1.40 goals per game over the last five matches, scoring in three of these fixtures. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game and only managed one clean sheet. Their defence has been vulnerable, as evidenced by their record of conceding in four of their last five games.

Team Statistics:

• WDLLW

Overall, Grêmio’s season stats reflect a mid-table performance, with 11 wins, 13 losses, and 10 draws. The team have scored 37 goals while conceding 43, highlighting a need for greater defensive solidity to complement their attacking prowess.

Grêmio Suspensions & Injuries

Grêmio face significant challenges with a number of key players sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Rodrigo Ely and Fabián Balbuena, both central defenders, due to serious injuries such as cruciate ligament damage and a broken ankle, respectively, could severely weaken Grêmio’s defensive solidity. These absences might compel coach Mano Menezes to rely more on less experienced defenders, potentially compromising their defensive stability against Botafogo RJ.

The midfield is equally affected, with Mathías Villasanti and João Pedro out for the season. This could necessitate a reshuffle in the midfield, with players such as Arthur and Dodi expected to step up. The injuries to Martin Braithwaite and Cristian Olivera mean Grêmio’s attacking options will be limited, requiring tactical adjustments to maintain their offensive threat.

In the forward line, Carlos Vinícius will need to lead the attack in the absence of Braithwaite. Grêmio’s ability to adapt to these injuries will be crucial in determining their competitive edge, especially in a match that could have significant implications for their league standing.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Rodrigo Ely	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid December 2025
Mathías Villasanti	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Fabián Balbuena	Broken ankle	Early December 2025
Martin Braithwaite	Achilles tendon injury	Out for season
João Pedro	Shoulder injury	Out for season
Willian	Broken foot	Late November 2025
Alex Santana	Muscle injury	Late November 2025
Riquelme Freitas	Ankle injury	Out for season
Cristian Olivera	Ankle injury	Out for season

Grêmio Key Players

Carlos Vinícius stands out as Grêmio’s top scorer, having netted eight goals this season. His striking prowess and ability to find the back of the net make him a crucial asset for Grêmio’s attacking setup. Vinícius’s positioning and finishing skills are likely to be pivotal in breaking down Botafogo RJ’s defence. Accompanying him in the forward line are Cristian Pavón and Francis Amuzu, whose pace and dribbling ability can stretch defences and create opportunities.

In midfield, Arthur and Edenílson are expected to orchestrate the play, with Arthur’s vision and passing range complementing Edenílson’s work rate and ball-winning skills. This duo’s influence in controlling the tempo and transitioning play from defence to attack will be vital. At the back, the defensive unit led by Gustavo Martins and Wagner Leonardo will aim to provide stability and resilience.

Expected lineup for Grêmio:

• Goalkeeper: Tiago Volpi
• Defenders: Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Martins, Wagner Leonardo, Marlon
• Midfielders: Arthur, Dodi, Edenílson
• Forwards: Cristian Pavón, Francis Amuzu, Carlos Vinícius

Grêmio Tactics and Formation

Grêmio Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Carlos Vinícius
• Midfield Pivot: Arthur and Dodi
• Defensive Record: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Quick transitions and exploiting wide areas.

Grêmio’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Mano Menezes is structured to provide balance between defence and attack. Arthur and Dodi in the midfield pivot are crucial in maintaining possession and initiating transitions. They are tasked with breaking up opposition plays and distributing the ball to creative players like Cristian Pavón and Franco Cristaldo.

Defensively, Grêmio have shown vulnerabilities, as evidenced by only one clean sheet in the last five matches. The backline, composed of Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Martins, Wagner Leonardo, and Marlon, needs to be more cohesive to prevent conceding goals, especially against a potent Botafogo RJ attack.

Offensively, the team relies heavily on Carlos Vinícius, who is their top scorer with eight goals. Grêmio frequently utilise the flanks to stretch the opposition, with Francis Amuzu and Cristian Pavón providing width and crossing opportunities, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from Botafogo RJ.

Botafogo RJ vs Grêmio Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Botafogo RJ and Grêmio, Grêmio have the upper hand with 19 wins compared to Botafogo’s 11, alongside nine draws. Their last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw in Serie A, showcasing a closely contested battle.

Looking at their Serie A clashes, Grêmio have been the more dominant side, but Botafogo have shown they can pull off surprises, especially with their recent 2-1 away victory in June 2024. This fixture often promises goals, with Grêmio outscoring Botafogo 65 to 42 overall.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Grêmio	Botafogo RJ	1 – 1	Serie A	24 September 2025
Botafogo RJ	Grêmio	0 – 0	Serie A	29 September 2024
Grêmio	Botafogo RJ	1 – 2	Serie A	16 June 2024
Botafogo RJ	Grêmio	3 – 4	Serie A	9 November 2023
Grêmio	Botafogo RJ	0 – 2	Serie A	9 July 2023