Botafogo vs Bragantino predictions for their meeting in the Brasileiro. Botafogo aim to end their poor run in Brasileiro Serie A when hosting Bragantino at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Brasileiro | Jun 26, 2024 at 11pm UK at Estadio Nilton Santos
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Botafogo vs Bragantino Predictions
Can Botafogo Overcome Their Recent Slump Against Resilient Bragantino?
Key Stats
– Botafogo have conceded in their last three matches.
– Bragantino’s last three games have all produced over 2.5 goals.
– Tiquinho Soares has been involved in three goals this season for Botafogo.
Botafogo will be seeking to halt their recent poor form in the Brasileiro Serie A as they host Bragantino at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday. The home side has struggled in their last couple of matches, while the visitors have shown resilience, bouncing back from setbacks to secure crucial points. This encounter promises to be a test of form, tactics, and resolve for both teams.
Botafogo’s Recent Struggles
Botafogo’s season has hit a rough patch with their recent performances. After a strong start to their campaign, they have stumbled, losing crucial matches, most recently a surprising 2-1 defeat to newly-promoted Criciuma. This loss saw them drop from the top spot to fourth place in the standings with 21 points from 11 matches. Artur Jorge’s men have been defensively vulnerable, conceding in their last three league matches after previously securing three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.
Despite these defensive lapses, Botafogo can draw confidence from their past encounters with Bragantino. They are unbeaten in their last six meetings, having secured four wins and two draws. This historical edge might give them a psychological boost as they aim to get back on track.
Bragantino’s Mixed Form
Bragantino, on the other hand, have had a rollercoaster season. Their recent 2-1 victory over Vitoria, where Eric Ramires and Helinho scored to complete a comeback, highlighted their resilience. With 18 points from 11 matches, they currently sit sixth in the Serie A standings. Pedro Caixinha’s team has alternated between wins and losses in their last six matches, struggling to find consistent form.
Their away record this season has been less than stellar, with only one win from five matches and two losses in their last three outings. However, Bragantino’s ability to recover from setbacks and their performance in this fixture history—though less dominant—will provide them with some optimism.
Team News and Tactical Approach
Botafogo will miss several key players, including Jefferson Savarino, who is on international duty, and Rafael da Silva, sidelined with a knee injury. Additionally, Jeffinho, Pablo, and Junior Santos are dealing with thigh issues. The expected lineup includes Victor in goal, with a defensive line of Ponte, Barboza, Bastos, and Cuiabano. The midfield will feature Gregore, Romero, and Tche, supporting an attacking trio of Santos, Soares, and Henrique.
Bragantino also face absences, notably right-back Jose Hurtado, who is with the Ecuador national team. Midfielder Nathan Camargo remains out with a knee injury. Their probable lineup includes Schwengber as the goalkeeper, with defenders Jadsom, Candido, Henrique, and Capixaba. The midfield will be manned by Raul, Ramires, and Evangelista, with Helinho, Sasha, and Vitinho in the attacking positions.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Botafogo’s Romero and Gregore up against Bragantino’s Ramires and Raul. This contest will determine who controls the game’s tempo and possession. Additionally, the duel between Botafogo’s Soares and Bragantino’s defenders will be crucial, as Soares’ goal-scoring ability could be decisive.
Criticism of Botafogo’s Strategy and Management
Botafogo’s recent tactical approach has come under scrutiny. Artur Jorge’s inability to adapt and rectify defensive weaknesses has been glaring. Despite their initial strong form, their defensive organisation has faltered, leading to costly goals conceded. Furthermore, the lack of attacking fluidity and over-reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play has limited their effectiveness. This tactical rigidity and defensive fragility have raised questions about Jorge’s management.
Expected Goals Analysis
Botafogo’s expected goals (xG) metrics suggest they have underperformed in recent matches, particularly defensively. Their xG indicates they should be conceding fewer goals, highlighting lapses in defensive concentration and organisation. Conversely, Bragantino’s xG aligns more closely with their actual performance, suggesting a more balanced but inconsistent execution of their game plan.
Gameplay Predictions
Given their recent form, Botafogo are likely to adopt a cautious approach, aiming to secure defensive solidity while capitalising on counter-attacks. Bragantino, with their inconsistent but resilient form, will probably focus on exploiting Botafogo’s defensive vulnerabilities through quick transitions and set-pieces.
Predictions
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score
Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both sides and their offensive capabilities, the best bet is that both teams will score. Botafogo have scored and conceded in their last three matches, while Bragantino’s games have frequently seen both teams finding the net.
Correct Score Prediction: Botafogo 2-1 Bragantino
A 2-1 victory for Botafogo is a plausible outcome. Despite their defensive issues, they have a strong home record against Bragantino. Their attacking prowess, combined with Bragantino’s inconsistent away form, suggests they can secure a narrow win.
Goalscorer Prediction: Tiquinho Soares to Score
Tiquinho Soares has been a key figure in Botafogo’s attack. His ability to find the back of the net and create chances makes him a strong candidate to score in this match. Given Bragantino’s defensive vulnerabilities, Soares is likely to capitalise on any lapses.
First Team to Score: Botafogo
Botafogo, playing at home and with a history of strong starts in matches, are likely to score first. Their attacking intent, coupled with Bragantino’s occasional defensive lapses, supports this prediction.
Innovative Market Prediction: Over 10.5 Corners in the Match
Both teams average a significant number of corners per game, with Botafogo at 5.8 and Bragantino at 4.7. Given their attacking styles and defensive vulnerabilities, a high number of corners is expected, making over 10.5 corners a strong market angle.
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