Flamengo vs Botafogo Prediction & Betting Tips - Brasileirão Serie A

Prediction published on 20/08/2020, 06:56  by James | Modified on 20/08/2020 at 07:56 in Football Predictions

Flamengo host Botafogo at the Maracaná in the next round of Brasileirao fixtures. Flamengo, the side that conquered South American football last season, are beginning to recover from a disastrous start to the season that has left them 16th after four games. Their opponents, Botafogo, arrive in better nick. They are eighth in the table despite playing one game fewer, currently unbeaten with five points to their name. Botafogo won their most recent outing, a 2-1 triumph at home to Atletico Mineiro. Flamengo's most recent match was a 1-1 draw against Gremio at the Maracana in which they required the assistance of a late penalty to get a point. It was their second successive home Brasileirao match without victory. They possess the same key players of last season's triumph, including Brasileirao golden boot winner Gabriel Barbosa. Gabigol, as he is known, scored 25 goals last season, but he has only managed to score once in the opening four games of this campaign. Flamengo averaged 2.26 goals per game in last season's title-winning season. This time around they are averaging 0.5 per game.

The main reason for this huge loss of form is probably the departure of manager Jorge Jesus. He went back to Benfica and his replacement, Domenec Torrent, has struggled to keep the plates spinning. Both Flamengo and Botafogo have been involved in a number of low-scoring matches in recent weeks, with three of their last four featuring fewer than three goals. Recent matches between these teams haven't lacked goals, with only one of their last five featuring fewer than three. This one looks set to be scarce of goal action though. Botafogo have only picked up one victory in their last six meetings and five in the 37 matches they've played at Flamengo. It's hard to back Flamengo in their current state. We suggest going for under 2.5 goals.