Botafogo RJ vs Sport Recife Prediction, Match Preview, Wednesday, 19 November

Botafogo RJ will face Sport Recife in an intriguing Serie A clash on Wednesday, 19 November. This match is set to be a key fixture in the Brazilian top flight, as both teams are eager to secure vital points. Botafogo RJ, renowned for their strong home performances, will be keen to leverage their advantage despite the venue details being unspecified. Meanwhile, Sport Recife will aim to challenge their hosts and improve their standing in the league.

The encounter between Botafogo RJ and Sport Recife promises to be a competitive affair. With both teams striving for success in Serie A, this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns. As the season progresses, every point counts, and both sides will be eager to capitalise on this opportunity. Fans can expect a closely contested game as these Brazilian teams battle it out on the pitch.

Botafogo RJ vs Sport Recife Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Botafogo RJ to Win	1.25

Botafogo RJ are in excellent form with back-to-back wins, while Sport Recife’s defensive struggles have been evident in recent heavy defeats. With Botafogo’s strong home record and Sport Recife’s vulnerable defence, the smart money is on a home win at odds of 1.60.

• Botafogo RJ’s recent victories, including a 3-0 win over Vasco da Gama, highlight their attacking prowess.
• Sport Recife have conceded seven goals in their last two matches, indicating significant defensive issues.
• Botafogo RJ’s historical dominance over Sport Recife, with 8 wins out of the last 15 encounters, supports a home win.

Betting Odds

Botafogo RJ are the clear favourites in this Serie A clash, with betting odds heavily in their favour at 1.25. Sport Recife, on the other hand, are considered long shots at 10.45, making them a risky but potentially rewarding bet for those looking to back an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Botafogo RJ to win	1.25
Draw	5.6
Sport Recife to win	10.45

The draw is priced at 5.6, which might attract punters who believe in a more balanced outcome. Given Botafogo’s strong home form, there could be value in exploring handicap markets or betting on a high-scoring win for the hosts.

Botafogo RJ Analysis & Past Performance

Botafogo RJ have shown commendable resilience in their recent outings, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. This stretch includes two victories and three draws, underscoring their ability to secure points even when not at their attacking best. A recent highlight was the 3-0 home victory over Vasco da Gama, emphasising their potential to dominate at home.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
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
Ceara	Botafogo RJ	0 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	19 Oct 2025

Recent Form:
Defensively, Botafogo RJ have been impressive, conceding only twice across these five fixtures, which translates to an average of 0.40 goals conceded per game. They have managed to keep four clean sheets during this period, reflecting their defensive solidity. Offensively, they have averaged 1.40 goals per game, indicating a balanced approach between attack and defence.

Strengths & Weaknesses:
Their ability to secure clean sheets, as evidenced by a clean sheets ratio of 0.80, is a key strength, allowing them to build from the back. However, the team have struggled to consistently find the back of the net, scoring in only three of their last five matches. This inconsistency in attack could be a concern, although their top scorer Jefferson Savarino remains a pivotal figure with four goals this season.

Team Dynamics:

• DWDDW

Botafogo RJ currently sit in a mid-top position in the league standings, thanks to their solid defensive performances. They hold a 0.42 win ratio across the season, showcasing their ability to grind out results. Their home form has been particularly strong, with a 0.60 win ratio at home in recent matches, suggesting they are a formidable force at their own ground.

Botafogo RJ Suspensions & Injuries

Botafogo RJ face significant challenges due to a string of injuries impacting their squad depth. Key players such as Bastos, Neto, and Kaio are all sidelined for the season, severely limiting options in defence and midfield. The absence of these players necessitates tactical adjustments from coach Davide Ancelotti, who might need to rely more on the versatility of players like Marlon Freitas and Danilo to fill gaps. Álvaro Montoro and Jordan Barrera’s doubtful statuses add further uncertainty, potentially affecting Botafogo RJ’s stability against Sport Recife.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Cristhian Loor	National team	1	Unknown

The suspension of Cristhian Loor due to national team commitments adds another layer of complexity to Botafogo RJ’s selection dilemma. With him out for the upcoming match, the team’s defensive structure may require reinforcement, possibly seeing a shift in formation to a more conservative setup to cover his absence. The suspension leaves Botafogo RJ with limited experienced backline options, demanding a strategic rethink.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bastos	Knee injury	Out for season
Neto	Thigh injury	Out for season
Kaio	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Álvaro Montoro	Broken collarbone	Doubtful
Matheus Martins	Thigh injury	Late November 2025
Nathan Fernandes	Thigh injury	Mid December 2025
Jordan Barrera	Thigh injury	Doubtful

These unavailabilities could influence betting markets, as the depleted squad might struggle to maintain their usual performance levels. Bettors may weigh these absences when considering Botafogo RJ’s chances, potentially impacting odds in favour of Sport Recife. The tactical impact of these injuries and suspensions could see Botafogo RJ adopting a more defensive approach, focusing on counter-attacks to mitigate the loss of key personnel.

Botafogo RJ Key Players

Jefferson Savarino stands out as Botafogo RJ’s top scorer with four goals this season. His ability to find space and capitalise on opportunities makes him a potent threat against Sport Recife. Savarino’s skilful play on the wing not only aids in goal scoring but also in setting up chances for his teammates. His partnership with forward Arthur Cabral could be pivotal, as Cabral’s physical presence complements Savarino’s agility and speed.

In midfield, Marlon Freitas and Joaquín Correa are expected to control the tempo. Freitas’ defensive capabilities, combined with Correa’s creative vision, can disrupt the opposition’s rhythm and initiate counter-attacks. Defensively, the experience of Alex Telles and Alexander Barboza will be crucial in maintaining a solid backline. Their leadership and tactical awareness are key to preventing any breakthroughs by Sport Recife.

Expected lineup for Botafogo RJ

• Goalkeeper: Léo Linck
• Defenders: Vitinho, David Ricardo, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles
• Midfielders: Danilo, Marlon Freitas, Joaquín Correa
• Forwards: Santiago Rodríguez, Jefferson Savarino, Arthur Cabral

Botafogo RJ Tactics and Formation

Botafogo RJ Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Arthur Cabral
• Midfield Pivot: Marlon Freitas and Danilo
• Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession with controlled build-up play.

Botafogo RJ typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows for a balanced approach between attack and defence. The midfield pairing of Marlon Freitas and Danilo is crucial, providing both defensive cover and the ability to control the tempo with their passing range. Santiago Rodríguez, operating as the attacking midfielder, plays a pivotal role in linking the midfield with the attack.

Defensively, Botafogo RJ’s backline, featuring players like Vitinho and Alex Telles, has been robust, contributing to their impressive record of four clean sheets in the last five matches. This defensive solidity is a key factor in their recent performances, where they have conceded only two goals.

Offensively, the team emphasise maintaining high possession and structured build-up play, often looking to exploit spaces through the creativity of Jefferson Savarino and Joaquín Correa on the flanks. This approach has seen them average 1.4 goals per game in recent outings, underlining their offensive capability.

Sport Recife Analysis & Past Performance

Sport Recife have been struggling significantly in recent outings, having endured five consecutive losses in the league. Their recent performances have included heavy defeats, such as the 5-1 loss to Flamengo and a 4-2 loss against Atlético Mineiro.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Sport Recife	Flamengo	1 – 5 (Loss)	Serie A	15 Nov, 2025
Sport Recife	Atlético Mineiro	2 – 4 (Loss)	Serie A	8 Nov, 2025
Sport Recife	Juventude	0 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	5 Nov, 2025
Flamengo	Sport Recife	3 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	2 Nov, 2025
Sport Recife	Mirassol	1 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	25 Oct, 2025

Recent Form:

• LLLLL

Sport Recife’s attack has been underwhelming, managing an average of just 0.80 goals per game over their last five matches. Defensively, they have been porous, conceding an average of 3.20 goals per game, and have failed to keep any clean sheets. Their away form is particularly concerning, with no wins in their last five outings, resulting in four defeats and one draw. Currently languishing at the bottom of the Serie A standings with only 17 points, their inability to convert matches into wins is reflected in their win ratio of 0.00. Key player Derik Lacerda, with six goals, has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.

Sport Recife Suspensions & Injuries

Sport Recife face several challenges due to player unavailability. The suspension of Derik Lacerda for seven matches due to a club decision significantly impacts their attacking options. Meanwhile, Ramon Menezes and Matheus Alexandre, both suspended for one match each due to card accumulations, will force manager César Lucena to rethink his defensive setup. These suspensions could lead to a less experienced backline, potentially exposing vulnerabilities against Botafogo RJ.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Derik Lacerda	Club decision	7	Unknown
Ramon Menezes	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown
Matheus Alexandre	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown

Injuries further complicate the situation for Sport Recife. Diogo Hereda’s groin injury sidelines him until late November, creating a void in their defensive options. Pedro Augusto’s muscle injury, expected to keep him out for a few weeks, limits midfield dynamism. These absences demand depth players to rise to the occasion, possibly affecting the team’s overall balance and coherence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Diogo Hereda	Groin strain	Late November 2025
Pedro Augusto	Muscle strain	A few weeks

Given these absences, César Lucena may need to deploy a more conservative formation or rely on younger squad members to fill the gaps. These lineup changes could influence betting markets, as Sport Recife’s typical tactical robustness might be compromised, potentially affecting their odds against a formidable Botafogo RJ side.

Sport Recife Key Players

Sport Recife will rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Matheusinho and Pablo to compensate for the absence of their top scorer, Derik Lacerda, who is unavailable due to a club suspension. Matheusinho, known for his agility and dribbling skills, will look to exploit the flanks, while Pablo, with his clinical finishing, aims to convert chances into goals. Both players are pivotal in maintaining offensive pressure and could be the key to unlocking Botafogo RJ’s defence.

In midfield, Lucas Lima stands out as the playmaker, orchestrating the game with his passing range and vision. His ability to connect the midfield to the forward line is crucial for Sport Recife’s tactical setup. Additionally, Christian Rivera and Lucas Kal will be essential in providing stability and defensive cover, ensuring that the team maintains balance during transitions.

Expected lineup for Sport Recife

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel
• Defenders: Aderlan, Rafael Thyere, João Silva, Luan Cândido
• Midfielders: Christian Rivera, Lucas Kal, Lucas Lima
• Forwards: Matheusinho, Pablo, Léo Pereira

Defensively, Rafael Thyere and João Silva form the backbone of the defence, tasked with neutralising Botafogo RJ’s attacking threats. Thyere’s leadership and aerial ability, combined with Silva’s tackling and positioning, are vital for maintaining a solid defensive line. Their performance will significantly influence Sport Recife’s chances of securing a positive result.

Sport Recife Tactics and Formation

Sport Recife Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Pablo
• Midfield Pivot: Christian Rivera and Lucas Kal
• Defensive Challenges: Conceded 16 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Struggles with maintaining possession and defensive solidity.

Sport Recife are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, which theoretically allows for a balanced approach between attack and defence. However, recent performances suggest vulnerabilities, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity. The backline, comprising Matheus Alexandre, Rafael Thyere, Ramon, and Luan Cândido, has been porous, conceding 16 goals in the last five matches.

In midfield, Christian Rivera and Lucas Kal are tasked with disrupting opposition play and initiating attacks. Their ability to control the tempo and protect the defence is crucial, yet recent matches have shown challenges in maintaining possession, with only 38% possession against Flamengo.

Offensively, Pablo leads the line, supported by Matheusinho and Léo Pereira. Despite their efforts, Sport Recife have struggled to convert chances, averaging only 0.80 goals per game in their last five outings. Their reliance on counter-attacks has often left them exposed defensively, contributing to their poor form.

Botafogo RJ vs Sport Recife Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Botafogo RJ and Sport Recife shows Botafogo leading with 12 wins, compared to Sport Recife’s four, and six matches ending in a draw. In their most recent encounter, Botafogo secured a narrow 1-0 victory away at Sport Recife in a Serie A clash, highlighting their strong performance in the league this season.

In Serie A, Botafogo have been dominant, consistently outperforming Sport Recife. With Botafogo scoring 35 goals to Sport Recife’s 21 in their encounters, the home side has a clear edge, especially when playing at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sport Recife	Botafogo RJ	0 – 1	Serie A	2025-07-20
Botafogo RJ	Sport Recife	0 – 1	Serie A	2021-02-05
Sport Recife	Botafogo RJ	1 – 2	Serie A	2020-10-11
Botafogo RJ	Sport Recife	2 – 0	Serie A	2018-08-26
Sport Recife	Botafogo RJ	1 – 1	Serie A	2018-04-23