It is an all-Brazilian affair as Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo square off in the Copa Libertadores final on Saturday. Botafogo come into this one in good form and given their fine record in this fixture, should have the upper hand over Atletico, who have struggled lately.
Atletico Mineiro overcame Argentine side River Plate to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores. Gabriel Milito’s men claimed a 3-0 victory at home in the first meeting before holding out for a 0-0 draw in the return leg.
Things have dipped for Atletico Mineiro since sealing their place in the final as they are winless in their last 10 matches across all competitions. They have been beaten five times in that run and head into the final off the back of a 3-2 home defeat to Juventude.
A 6-3 aggregate victory over Peñarol was enough to earn Botafogo a place in the Copa Libertadores final. The 5-0 first leg win put them in a good position to qualify despite losing 3-1 in the return fixture.
It has been an overall solid season for Botafogo who are three points clear at the top of the Brazilian Serie A and will look to claim the first of a potential double on Saturday. Artur Jorge’s men are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions and won 3-1 at Palmeiras in their last match.
How the bookies view it: Upper hand for Botafogo
Botafogo have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 23/20 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Atletico Mineiro is valued at 23/10 while Betfred are also offering 2/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Botafogo on top
Botafogo have a 24-17 advantage with 14 draws from 55 previous matches against Atletico Mineiro. They have won three of the last five meetings and already beat Atletico in Serie A this season, claiming a 3-0 victory back in July.
Players to watch: Eyes in Savarino.
Jefferson Savarino often features in attack and has scored three goals in the last five Libertadores matches. The forward was also on target in the win over Atletico back in July and is priced at odds of 3/1 to find the net once again.
Atletico Mineiro will look to Hulk to provide the spark in attack on Saturday. The striker has 11 goals across all competitions and is priced at 23/20 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Hulk did not feature in midweek for Atletico Mineiro but should return for the final on Saturday. The forward should feature in attack alongside Bernardo and Eduardo Vargas while Igor Rabello is set to start in defence.
Centre-back Bastos went off injured for Botafogo in the win over Palmeiras and should be replaced by Adryelson on Saturday. Igor Jesus should lead the line with Savarino and Luiz Henrique providing support.
Atletico Mineiro: Mendes, Lemon, Rabello, Fuchs, Rubens, Otavio Gomes, Palacios, Bernard, Vargas, Hulk
Botafogo: John, Vitinho, Adryelson, Barboza, Freitas, Gregore, Almada, Savarino, Henrique, Jesus
Anything else catch the eye?
Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo saw over 3.5 goals in their midweek fixtures and a repeat is priced at 10/3 by Betfred. Over 2.5 goals is valued at 11/8 by Betfred, who are also offering 8/11 on both teams to score.
Botafogo have opened the scoring in four of the last six Libertadores matches and can be backed to grab the first goal at 4/5 with Betfred.
This Copa Libertadores match between Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo will be played on Nov 30, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
