Botafogo v Vasco Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
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Match Odds: Correct Score Prediction
A state derby is always full of tension, and in this match both teams share the same goal on the table: securing a spot in a continental competition for next season. Botafogo, in 6th place, faces Vasco, 9th, in a Rio de Janeiro clash. The teams are separated by 6 points. Vasco has been more consistent than Wednesday’s opponent, despite the 2-0 home loss to São Paulo in the last round.
Before that setback, the team had won 4 in a row, scoring 11 goals and conceding only 3 in that span. On the other hand, Botafogo comes from two draws (2-2 with Santos, a relegation candidate, and 0-0 with Mirassol, one of the season’s surprises). Previously, they had beaten modest Ceará 2-0. This state derby promises to be heated and tactical. Of the last 6 head-to-head meetings between the sides, 5 ended with fewer than 2.5 goals scored.
“It’s Time to Set Fire” – John Textor’s Brazilian Battle to Reignite Botafogo
Correct Score Prediction: 1-1
Fouls & Cards: Botafogo forced to defend
Coached by Fernando Diniz, former Brazil national team manager, Vasco is a side that enjoys keeping possession. That’s confirmed by the Brazilian Championship stats, where the team ranks 2nd in ball possession — averaging 55.3%, behind only Flamengo (62%).
If Vasco is expected to control the pace of the game, it’s also likely that Botafogo will commit more fouls. The hosts are among the top four teams in fouls committed, averaging 14.6 per match. In comparison, Vasco ranks 16th — the fifth-least foul-prone team — with an average of 13.2.
Tche Tche 1+ fouls @ 1.40
Alexander Barboza 2+ fouls @ 1.53
Philippe Coutinho 2+ fouls drawn @ 1.72
Goalscorers: Keep an eye on Vasco’s offense
Vasco’s attacking options have been impressive, especially young Rayan, who has already scored 11 goals in the Brazilian Championship, and star Philippe Coutinho, former Liverpool and Barcelona player. The team has scored multiple goals in 7 of its last 10 matches, while Botafogo has conceded 14 times in the same period. Therefore, Vasco is expected to score at least once in Wednesday’s game.
The need to earn points, especially after the weekend’s home defeat, should lead Fernando Diniz’s Vasco to attack and try to dictate play against a Botafogo side that tends to manage its energy and protect itself in a more defensive setup.
Chris Ramos 1+ shots on target @ 1.30
Philippe Coutinho 2 + shots @ 1.44
Rayan Vitor to score or assist @ 2.75
By: @APalpites
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Thiago Ribeiro/AGIF