Botafogo v Palmeiras Bet Builder Stats & Predictions

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Match Odds: Correct Score Prediction

This Sunday sees two clubs who have been battling for silverware in recent years go head-to-head in Rio de Janeiro, in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the season. Between them, Botafogo and Palmeiras have won the last three editions of the Brazilian Serie A and three of the past five Copa Libertadores. They are also among the biggest spenders when it comes to strengthening their squads.

Botafogo have recently splashed out on Danilo from Nottingham Forest for €23m, Arthur Cabral from Benfica for €12m, and Artur from Zenit for €10m. Palmeiras, meanwhile, have boosted their squad with Vitor Roque from Barcelona for €25m, Ramón Sosa from Nottingham Forest for €12m, and Facundo Torres from Orlando City for €11m.

In the Serie A table, Botafogo sit 5th on 29 points, while Palmeiras are 3rd with 36 points. Both sides remain involved in the Copa Libertadores, which could slightly temper their attacking intent but not the balance of this weekend’s clash. Palmeiras are expected to field more first-team regulars, having won the first leg of their continental tie 4-0, while Botafogo have only a narrow lead from their own.

Correct Score Prediction: 1-1

Fouls & Cards: Tactical Stoppages

This match presents an interesting profile in terms of fouls and cards. Botafogo (8th) and Palmeiras (3rd) are among the most foul-prone sides in the 2025 Serie A, averaging 14.3 and 14.9 fouls committed per match respectively. However, many of these are tactical fouls, aimed at halting opposition counter-attacks. Both teams average over 50% possession, meaning they tend to control games and resort to these infringements when briefly losing control to prevent dangerous breaks.

This is backed up by their card stats. Botafogo (4th) and Palmeiras (3rd) are among the sides who receive the fewest cards in the league, averaging 2.1 yellow cards per game each, with just one red card apiece in 17 matches so far. Key Botafogo names here include midfielders Gregore (3.8 fouls per game, 3 yellows), Marlon Freitas (0.9 fouls, 3 yellows) and centre-back Barboza (1.9 fouls, 6 yellows).

For Palmeiras, watch for centre-backs Gustavo Gómez (1.2 fouls, 3 yellows) and Murilo (2.3 fouls, 3 yellows), as well as forward Flaco López (1.4 fouls, 3 yellows).

Alexander Barboza to commit 2+ fouls @ 1.44

Murilo to commit 2+ fouls @ 1.85 

Joaquin Correa to commit 2+ fouls @ 2.20

Goalscorers: In-form Attacks

Both clubs stand out for their attacking quality. Botafogo have scored in each of their last seven matches, while Palmeiras have also found the net in their last seven Serie A games.

For those who believe in the “former player curse”, Botafogo striker Arthur Cabral could be worth a look. With 3 goals and 1 assist in his last 7 outings, he faces his old club here, having played for Palmeiras between 2018 and 2020 before moving to Europe.

Palmeiras forward Vitor Roque comes into this game with confidence after scoring in the last league match against Ceará. The club’s marquee signing for the season is gradually finding his rhythm in Abel Ferreira’s system.

Also worth noting is Botafogo’s Alex Telles, who takes penalties and some free-kicks. The former Manchester United and Sevilla full-back is one of the most experienced players in the squad and a technical leader for the home side. In his last outing, he provided an assist inside the first minute for Artur’s goal.

Arthur Cabral to score or assist @ 3.10

Vitor Roque to score anytime @ 3.50

Alex Telles to score or assist @ 5.50

By: Pedro Santos / @apalpites

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Alexandre Schneider / Getty Images