Botafogo v Cruzeiro Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
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Match Odds: Correct Score Prediction
This match brings together two of the best teams in the Brazilian Championship and features 6th-placed Botafogo, coached by Davide Ancelotti, hosting 2nd-placed Cruzeiro, managed by Leonardo Jardim.
Botafogo are in good form after a solid performance at the FIFA Club World Cup and are still riding high from their victory over PSG, the current Champions League winners, on American soil. Since the season resumed, they are unbeaten with three wins and one draw.
On the other hand, Cruzeiro are playing to take the lead in the league but find themselves in a tricky moment. After a strong run of results, including some big wins, the team is now on a three-game winless streak.
With well-known European football names like Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge for Cruzeiro, and Arthur Cabral, Joaquín Correa, and Alex Telles for Botafogo, the tendency is for a high-scoring draw — I found a lot of value in the 2-2 score at odds of 16.00.
Correct Score Prediction: 2-2
Fouls & Cards: Midfield Battle
So many big names in the midfield will turn this match into a fierce battle for territory and ball possession. However, team history suggests that Botafogo are more likely to control the main actions at home.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Cruzeiro’s players resorting to fouls to break the rhythm. The team has committed more fouls than their opponent in 4 of their last 5 league matches.
Cruzeiro’s main playmaker, Matheus Pereira, will likely have to take on more defensive duties and could replicate what he did in the last 3 away games, where he committed a total of 5 fouls.
Defensive midfielder Lucas Romero is the key figure in shielding the backline and was booked in 2 of the last 3 matches and 4 of the last 9 (3 of them away from home).
Matheus Pereira to commit 2+ fouls @ 1.60
Marlon Freitas 1+ fouls drawn @ 1.90
Lucas Romero to be shown a card @ 3.50
Goalscorers: Expecting a Goal-Filled Match
When two powerful attacks face off, the expectation is always for plenty of goals. And this match should be no different, as Cruzeiro have the second-best attacking record in the league with 28 goals in 17 games, while Botafogo rank third in goals scored at home with 14 goals in 7 rounds.
Cruzeiro count on the strength of Kaio Jorge, the league’s top scorer with 13 goals. The former Juventus player is in excellent form, with 5 goals and 2 assists in his last 6 appearances.
On the other side, Arthur Cabral arrived in this transfer window from Benfica for €12 million to replace Igor Jesus, who left for Nottingham Forest. The striker adapted quickly and scored in the last home game against Corinthians.
Beside him is Artur, the speedy former Zenit forward, who can take advantage of Botafogo’s right-wing attacks. His dribbling and medium-range shooting are valuable assets against one of the league’s best teams.
Arthur Cabral to score anytime @ 3.40
Kaio Jorge to score anytime @ 3.75
Artur to score anytime @ 3.75
By: Pedro Santos
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Vítor Silva – BFP