Botafogo FR RJ - Bragantino predictions and free betting tips [26/06/2024]

The match will take place in Rio de Janeiro at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos.

After three consecutive wins against Gremio (1:2), Fluminense (1:0), and Corinthians (0:1), Botafogo has literally slowed down, drawing 1:1 with Atletico Paranaense and losing 2:1 to a struggling Criciuma last week. The Tigers took the lead in the first half through Gustavo Barreto; after the break, Lucas Halter equalised, but Arthur scored in the 84th minute. As a result, the black-and-whites are now four points behind league leaders Flamengo, making it crucial for them to win this time around.

Lately, Arthur Jorge's squad has shown clear problems with defence, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last three Serie A outings. In fact, another mishap would mean the two-time Brazilian champions could go winless in three matches for the first time since April. Notably, Botafogo is only seventh in the overall standings for home points (10 in 5 home matches, 9 goals scored, 4 conceded). 

Occupying the sixth place in the championship and trailing Botafogo by two points, Red Bull Bragantino have every chance to overtake the black-and-whites on Thursday night, especially after securing a crucial 2:1 win over Vitoria a few days ago following a defeat to reigning champions Palmeiras (2:1). In the first half, both teams exchanged goals through Jean Mota and Erick Ramirez, and Elinho scored in the 66th minute.

Pedro Caixinha's charges could even break into the top four under favourable circumstances, despite having won back-to-back matches only once this season, in April against Vasco da Gama and Corinthians. The Bulls' away results leave much to be desired: they have only one victory from five away matches.However, Bragantino's attack is in top form: the white-and-reds have scored in eight consecutive matches in all competitions.

Bragantino has not won any of the last six head-to-head meetings with Botafogo. The previous encounter between these teams ended in a 1:1 draw.

Botafogo has not lost to Bragantino in head-to-head matches since 2020, and although they have struggled in the last two rounds, the black-and-whites will undoubtedly do everything to delight their fans on Thursday. The hosts simply cannot afford another slip-up, as they are already 4 points behind Flamengo. Bragantino is not very effective on the road, so don’t expect too much from the Bulls - I’m backing a victory for Botafogo.

The black-and-whites have netted nine goals in the last five rounds and boast an excellent attacking line led by Junior Santos. I’m betting on an individual total over 1.5 goals for the hosts.

With the support of their home crowd, Botafogo will play on the front foot and will go all out to break down the opposition's defence from the first minute. I’m backing a victory for the hosts in corners.

Both teams average around three yellow cards per game this season, so I’m betting on the total number of cautions to be over 4.5.

I predict a 2:1 win for Botafogo.