Sao Paulo, who are currently in first place in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A standings, will have a chance to record their first road win of the campaign when they visit Botafogo at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos on Thursday with kickoff at 10 pm.
In the Brazilian Serie A, four-time league champions Botafogo have had a rough start to the year. The newly-promoted Rio de Janeiro-based club has lost four straight matches, sliding down into last place with 12 points.
While losing to the likes of Palmeiras can be understood, given their talent and top-flight experience, Botafogo hasn’t earned any points versus teams near them in the table. Three of their last four defeats came against sides with them in Serie B a season ago (Coritiba, Goias, and Avai).
Despite having the bulk of possession over their current four-game losing streak without scoring in three of those matches, manager Luis Castro has reiterated that he does not intend to make drastic changes to his team’s tactics or formation despite their struggles.
Sao Paulo remains unbeaten at home, having won 1-0 against America Mineiro this past weekend. Coach Rogerio Ceni has employed a unique approach that focuses on overloading the middle of the field with skilled players vital in transition.
This strategy has worked well because of the talent we have seen from their forward players and tireless work rate, which allows them to cover spaces when out of possession.
Botafogo vs. Sao Paulo Head to Head
Both sides have 30 games against each other, with hosts taking seven wins while opponents with 15 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Botafogo 0-1 Avai
- Palmeiras 4-0 Botafogo
- Botafogo 1-2 Goias
- Coritiba 1-0 Botafogo
Away
- Sao Paulo 1-0 Mineiro
- Coritiba 1-1 Sao Paulo
- Avai 1-1 Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo 2-2 Ceara
Botafogo Team News
Botafogo made two changes to their starting lineup against Avai on Monday, with Chay and Erison replacing Lucas Fernandes and Renzo Saravia. The team seems to be missing the presence of a solid number nine since their top goalscorer in Serie B last season, Rafael Navarro moved to Palmeiras.
Sao Paulo Team News
Patrick scored his first goal for Sao Paulo on Sunday, while Jandrei earned a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with Coritiba. After Calleri, Luciano is their next highest goalscorer, with three, well back of the Argentine, who leads the league with nine, while Eder, Rodrigo Nestor, and Reinaldo all have one.
Prediction and Odds
Sao Paulo is the more talented side, and most of their attacks filter through Calleri. They haven’t yet proven they can maintain composure at the back when leading.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
