Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction & Betting Tips - Brasileirão Serie A

Prediction published on 17/07/2024, 11:43  by Nella Wagah in Football Predictions

Top spot is at stake in the Brasileirão as the leading sides Botafogo and Palmeiras prepare to clash on Thursday. Both are on 33 points and either side will aim at a win, to pull clear. Here we take a look at the stats to guide our prediction as Pantera da Mogiana hosts Verdão.

Botafogo have made massive steps to address their poor finish to the league last season, when they failed to win the final 10 games. That they’ve had a strong start this season isn’t a surprise, though it hasn’t been as pronounced as last year’s run.

Botafogo have won 10 of their opening 16 matches, a performance only matched by the team they are about to face. They’ve gone unbeaten in five matches since the shock defeat to promoted Criciúma, winning four. The most recent of those was in their last outing as they overcame Vitoria 1-0, with Jefferson Savarino netting his fourth of the campaign.

Like Botafogo, visiting Palmeiras have suffered three losses so far. As they are also tied on goal difference, the champions will be targeting a win here to go three points ahead. Having the best defence in the league so far, Palmeiras will be confident heading into this match.

Their psychological advantage going into this game will also be boosted by the fact they have three wins in four matches against Botafogo. In Botafogo’s struggles towards the end of last season, Palmeiras were among the architects of their suffering.

They came from 3-0 down to beat Botafogo 4-3 in their last meeting. Palmeiras shaped up for this key game with a 3-1 win over Atletico GO on Friday. That result marked the fourth straight game in which they scored more than a goal. The visitors are also unbeaten in those four matches.