Botafogo RJ vs. Vasco da Gama Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 5 November 2025

As we approach the 32nd round of Serie A on 5 November 2025, all eyes will be on the clash between Botafogo RJ and Vasco da Gama. Botafogo RJ, sitting in 6th place with 48 points, will look to solidify their position within the top six. Meanwhile, 9th-placed Vasco da Gama, with 42 points, are keen on closing the gap.

Botafogo RJ come into this game as the bookmaker favorites. However, significant injury concerns may affect their performance, including questions around the availability of top scorer Jefferson Savarino. Coach Davide Ancelotti will need to put faith in other squad members to deliver. Despite their offensive struggles recently, they have a solid defensive record at home.

On the other hand, Vasco da Gama have been quite consistent in finding the net away from home, scoring in 80% of their away matches. They will, however, miss key players Nuno Moreira and Paulo Henrique through suspension. Coach Fernando Diniz will rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Pablo Vegetti and the creativity of Philippe Coutinho.

Given both teams’ mixed recent form and mutual injury woes, a tight contest is expected. Our prediction leans towards a draw, reflecting a balanced head-to-head record this year. Recommended bet: Draw.

Botafogo RJ vs Vasco da Gama Prediction & Betting tip

Botafogo RJ vs Vasco da Gama Prediction
Betting tip
Draw

Given the recent performances and mutual injury woes of both teams, our recommended betting tip is a draw. Both Botafogo RJ and Vasco da Gama have shown inconsistent form, and their head-to-head encounters this year have been closely contested.

• Both teams have injury concerns, which weakens their squads, making it less likely one will dominate.
• The head-to-head encounters this year suggest a balanced matchup, with both teams having won and drawn games.
• Historical matchups and the current form indicate a tightly contested derby, increasing the likelihood of an all-square result.

With fair odds for a draw, this appears to be the most prudent selection for this fixture.

Botafogo RJ vs Vasco da Gama Odds

Here’s a look at the betting odds for the upcoming Serie A clash between Botafogo RJ and Vasco da Gama. With Botafogo RJ being the bookmaker’s favorite and both sides dealing with several injuries, it promises to be a balanced and intriguing match-up.

Botafogo RJ vs Vasco da Gama Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Botafogo RJ	1.87
Draw	3.37
Vasco da Gama	4.10

Botafogo RJ, positioned 6th on the league table, have been given the edge. Yet, given both teams’ recent inconsistency and mutual injuries, the odds for a draw at 3.37 stand out as offering good value. Vasco da Gama, priced at 4.10, are viewed as the underdogs, but their strong recent away form means they cannot be discounted.

Botafogo RJ Team Analysis

Botafogo RJ Recent Performance: L, L, W, D, D

Botafogo RJ’s recent form in the league has been mixed, with their last five matches reflecting inconsistency: L, L, W, D, D. They secured a solid away win against Ceará (2-0) but struggled against strong opponents like Flamengo (0-3 loss) and Internacional (0-2 loss). Their recent home game ended in a goalless draw with Mirassol, showing their defensive solidity but a lack of attacking prowess, averaging just 0.80 goals per match over the last five.

🔹 Recent Matches:

• Mirassol 0 – 0 Botafogo RJ (2025-11-01)
• Botafogo RJ 2 – 2 Santos FC (2025-10-26)
• Ceará 0 – 2 Botafogo RJ (2025-10-19)
• Botafogo RJ 0 – 3 Flamengo (2025-10-15)
• Internacional 2 – 0 Botafogo RJ (2025-10-04)

🔹 Despite their average form, Botafogo RJ have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five games, and they remain favorites for this match. However, significant injuries, including star striker Jefferson Savarino, might impact their performance.

Botafogo RJ Key Players

Botafogo RJ will need influential performances from their key players, especially given their injury woes. With top scorer Jefferson Savarino potentially out, attention shifts to other crucial squad members. Marlon Freitas and Danilo will be pivotal in midfield, aiming to control the tempo and create opportunities. Artur and Santiago Rodríguez will look to exploit the wings with their pace and creativity.

Defensively, Alexander Barboza and David Ricardo will be crucial in dealing with Vasco da Gama’s attacking threats, particularly from Pablo Vegetti, the away team’s top scorer.

🔹 Expected lineup for Botafogo RJ:

• Goalkeeper: Leonardo Linck
• Defenders: Vitinho, David Ricardo, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles
• Midfielders: Newton Araujo, Marlon Freitas, Artur, Danilo, Santiago Rodríguez
• Forward: Christopher Ramos

The individual battles, especially in midfield, could determine the outcome of this match.

Botafogo RJ Suspensions & Injuries

Botafogo RJ are contending with significant injury concerns ahead of their clash with Vasco da Gama. Key players such as Jefferson Savarino, Matheus Martins, and Nathan Fernandes are sidelined with various injuries, severely limiting Coach Davide Ancelotti’s options. Additionally, crucial defensive players like Bastos, Neto, and Kaio are out for the season, further weakening their backline.

The potential unavailability of Savarino, their top scorer, and other attacking threats could impair their offensive capabilities. Missing attacking depth might force Botafogo to rely more on their defensive organization, evident from their recent clean sheets.

These absences mean other squad members must step up, but the lack of depth and experience could tilt the balance of the game.

Botafogo RJ’s injury list:

• Bastos – Knee injury (Out for season)
• Neto – Thigh injury (Out for season)
• Kaio – Cruciate ligament injury (Out for season)
• Alvaro Montoro – Broken collarbone (Potential return late November 2025)
• Matheus Martins – Thigh injury (Potential return mid-November 2025)
• Nathan Fernandes – Thigh injury (Potential return mid-December 2025)
• Jordan Barrera – Thigh injury (Potential return mid-November 2025)
• Fernando Marcal – Calf Injury (Potential return in about 1-2 weeks)
• Joaquin Correa – Calf Injury (Potential return in about 1-2 weeks)
• Jefferson Savarino – Unknown (Potential return unknown)

Botafogo RJ Tactics and Formation

Botafogo RJ’s tactical approach under Coach Davide Ancelotti has largely been shaped by their injury woes and the need to stabilize performances. Here’s a breakdown of their expected strategy for the upcoming match against Vasco da Gama:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Key Forward: Christopher Ramos will likely lead the line, tasked with capitalizing on limited chances given their recent struggles to score.

Midfield Pair: Newton Araujo and Marlon Freitas are expected to anchor the midfield, providing defensive cover and looking to link play upfield. Danilo will play in the advanced role, aiming to create key opportunities in the final third.

Defensive Strength: With two clean sheets in their last five games, Botafogo will rely on their defensive solidity, particularly through Alexander Barboza and David Ricardo.

Notable Strategy: Botafogo tend to have a measured approach, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive structure while aiming to exploit the wings through Artur and Santiago Rodríguez. The midfield battle and defensive resilience will be critical in managing the game’s tempo.

Vasco da Gama Team Analysis

Vasco da Gama Recent Performance: W, W, W, W, L

Vasco da Gama have enjoyed a strong run of form recently, winning four of their last five matches: W, W, W, W, L. They secured impressive victories over Fortaleza (2-0), Red Bull Bragantino (3-0), and Fluminense (2-0), showcasing a blend of solid defensive play and potent attack. However, they did stumble in their last outing, losing 2-0 to Sao Paulo.

🔹 Recent Matches:

• Vasco da Gama 0 – 2 Sao Paulo (2025-11-02)
• Red Bull Bragantino 0 – 3 Vasco da Gama (2025-10-26)
• Vasco da Gama 2 – 0 Fluminense (2025-10-20)
• Fortaleza 0 – 2 Vasco da Gama (2025-10-16)
• Vasco da Gama 4 – 3 Vitoria (2025-10-05)

🔹 Vasco da Gama have been efficient offensively, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five fixtures. In addition, they have managed three clean sheets, with a balanced approach between defense and attack being key to their recent success. This run of form highlights their potential to challenge even in away games.

Vasco da Gama Key Players

Vasco da Gama will rely heavily on their key players to continue their recent good form. Top scorer Pablo Vegetti, with 14 goals this season, will be essential in leading the charge up front. His ability to find the net will test Botafogo RJ’s defensive resilience.

In midfield, Philippe Coutinho’s experience and creativity will be crucial. He’ll aim to unlock Botafogo’s defense with his passing and vision. Additionally, Carlos Andres Gomez brings pace and flair on the left wing, posing a significant threat to Botafogo’s backline.

Defensively, Carlos Cuesta and Robert Renan will have to be at their best to contain Botafogo’s attacking efforts.

🔹 Expected lineup for Vasco da Gama:

• Goalkeeper: Leo Jardim
• Defenders: José Luis Rodríguez, Carlos Cuesta, Robert Renan, Lucas Piton
• Midfielders: Tchê Tchê, Hugo Moura, Philippe Coutinho
• Attackers: Rayan Vitor, Carlos Andres Gomez, Pablo Vegetti

The battles between these key players and their Botafogo counterparts will be pivotal in determining the match outcome.

Vasco da Gama Suspensions & Injuries

Vasco da Gama face some significant hurdles in terms of suspensions and injuries ahead of their match against Botafogo RJ. Key players Nuno Moreira and Paulo Henrique are suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, potentially weakening their usual defensive and midfield structure.

Injuries have also taken a toll on the squad. Adson is out with a broken leg, Jair won’t return this season due to a cruciate ligament injury, and Paulinho is sidelined with a ligament injury. Benjamin Garre and Cauan Barros are both doubtful with a groin and ankle injury, respectively.

These absences present a substantial challenge for Coach Fernando Diniz, who will need to rely on his squad’s depth and tactical flexibility. This could affect their overall performance, particularly in maintaining their usual defensive stability.

Vasco da Gama’s injury list:

• Adson – Broken leg (Potential return mid-November 2025)
• Jair – Cruciate ligament injury (Out for season)
• Paulinho – Ligament injury (Potential return late November 2025)
• Benjamin Garre – Groin injury (Potential return mid-November 2025)
• Cauan Barros – Ankle injury (Potential return doubtful)

Vasco da Gama Tactics and Formation

Vasco da Gama’s tactics under Coach Fernando Diniz have been a blend of solid defensive organization and swift counter-attacks. Here’s a tactical breakdown for their upcoming match against Botafogo RJ:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Key Forward: Pablo Vegetti, who leads the attack and has shown a consistent goal-scoring form with 14 goals this season.

Midfield Trio: Tchê Tchê and Hugo Moura will serve as the double pivot, providing both defensive cover and transitioning play. Philippe Coutinho will operate as the attacking midfielder, seeking to create key chances and unlock Botafogo’s defense.

Defensive Strength: With three clean sheets in their last five matches, defensive solidity through players like Carlos Cuesta and Robert Renan will be key.

Notable Strategy: Vasco have the ability to score crucial goals immediately after halftime, particularly within the 46-60 minute interval. Their wide players, Rayan Vitor and Carlos Andres Gomez, will aim to stretch Botafogo’s defense, providing crosses for Vegetti.

Vasco’s balanced approach between defense and attack, even amid suspensions and injuries, will be pivotal in their overall game plan.

Botafogo RJ vs Vasco da Gama Head-to-Head Statistics

Looking at the head-to-head statistics between Botafogo RJ and Vasco da Gama for the year 2025, the teams have faced off in a series of tightly contested matches. Here’s a summary of their last five encounters:

• 2025-11-01: Botafogo RJ 0 – 0 Mirassol (Serie A)
• 2025-08-29: Vasco da Gama 2 – 0 Botafogo RJ (Serie A)
• 2025-07-19: Botafogo RJ 3 – 2 Vasco da Gama (Serie A)
• 2025-04-20: Vasco da Gama 1 – 1 Botafogo RJ (Serie A)
• 2025-02-13: Vasco da Gama 1 – 1 Botafogo RJ (Serie A)

Key Takeaways:

• Balanced Record: Both teams have secured a win each, with three matches ending in draws, indicating a well-matched rivalry.
• Recent Draws: Their last encounter ended in a draw, suggesting a tightly contested affair.
• Goals: Matches tend to have a moderate scoring rate, with both teams finding the back of the net but not in high-scoring encounters.

Given this historical parity, another closely fought draw seems likely.

Odds accurate as of 03/11/2025 22:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.