Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction: Team News Preview

The Copa Libertadores is back and our South American expert, Nathan Joyes, is on hand to provide his Botafogo vs Palmeiras prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Two of the best teams in Brazil head into this incredibly intriguing round of 16 clash having both been knocked out of Copa do Brasil. While Palmeiras have the experience in this tournament, Botafogo recently beat Verdão 1-0 in the league.

1. Botafogo vs Palmeiras Tip 1: Botafogo double chance and under 2.5 goals
2. Botafogo vs Palmeiras Tip 2: Half time draw
3. Botafogo vs Palmeiras Tip 3: BTTS No

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Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction 1: Hosts can’t afford to lose

Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Thursday, August 15th, 01:30 (UK)

Both Palmeiras and Botafogo will believe they have squads capable of going all the way in this competition, which is why it’s frustrating that both meet each other so early in the knockout stage.

For the neutral, this fixture looks glamorous on the outside, but it looks set to be a cagey affair from where I’m sat. Abel Ferreira’s side are often very good at keeping teams at bay when away from home in this competition – they’ve frustrated Atletico Mineiro for years in the Libertadores.

They may have lost key attacking players in the recent window, but defensively they are strong enough to go far in this competition, and arguably have one of the best midfields in the tournament.

The hosts will no doubt huff and puff, and potentially wear them down. Losing at home isn’t an option if they are to progress.

The addition of Thiago Almada has been brought in to provide that extra bit of quality in the final third. But even if they do, Palmeiras won’t lose their cool, especially knowing the return leg is at Allianz Parque.

Botafogo recently beat Palmeiras 1-0 in the league, and the hosts would be very content with a similar outcome.

• Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction 1: Botafogo double chance and under 2.5 goals
• Best Odds: 2.150
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction 2: Stalemate at the break

As mentioned above, these two teams locked horns only last month, where Botafogo came out on top with a narrow victory. Despite Botafogo winning, the first half finished in a draw and a repeat of that happening is very plausible.

Palmeiras have preferred to pad out their midfield in recent weeks, opting for three central midfielders, allowing their full backs to join and support when in possession.

Botafogo have a similar approach with their 4-3-3 formation. Players like Luiz Henrique operate between the lines, supporting the midfield yet using wide positions to drag his team up the pitch and into attacking positions.

All of this makes the middle of the pitch rather congested. Gaps will be few and far between in the opening exchanges as both teams figure each other out.

It’s worth mentioning how this will be both team’s fifth game in just over 15 days, and there will be tired legs out there – no one will be forcing the issue too early, and the half time draw at 2.0 stands out.

• Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction 2: Half time draw
• Best Odds: 2.0
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction 3: Chess match expected

If you haven’t fallen asleep by how negative this preview has been, well done, you’ve been rewarded with my favourite pick out of the three I’ve put forward.

The key message so far is how professional Palmerias can be in this competition. They may have lost their way a little in recent weeks, and without Estevao who remains injured, they’ve looked a little lost in the final third.

Yet Ferreira’s job is to stifle Botafogo’s attack, rather than look to go toe-to-toe with them on their plastic pitch. If they do that, they’ll soon be broken down due to the quality at Artur Jorge’s disposal.

However, experience cannot be undervalued in this tournament and Palmeiras know what it takes to get through these tough fixtures. On the flip side, Botafogo won’t want to concede. Getting a result at Allianz Parque isn’t easy, and hasn’t been for several years now.

Everything points towards a low scoring affair unless there’s a red card or penalty early on, factors we of course can’t control.

With under 2.5 goals priced rather short at 1.60, both teams to score no at 1.80 adds plenty of extra value.

• Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction 3: BTTS No
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, August 8th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Botafogo vs Palmeiras Possible Lineups:

Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Cuiabano, Barboza, Bastos, Ponte, Barbosa, Freitas, Eduardo, Savarino, Almada, Henrique

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton; Paulista, Gomez, Reis, Giay, Anderson, Veiga, Rios, Ze Rafael, Moreno, Lopez

Botafogo vs Palmeiras Match Stats

• Botafogo beat Palmeiras 1-0 last month in the league thanks to Damien Suarez’s second half goal (who has since left the club).
• Palmeiras have failed to win any of their last six matches on the road across all competitions.
• Botafogo has only lost one of their last ten matches at home.

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