Botafogo welcome Ceara to the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Thursday’s Brazilian Serie A matchup. The hosts have been imperious at home all season and should have too much for their struggling visitors.
Botafogo's title defence started slow as they picked up just one win from their opening five Serie A matches. However, they seem to be building momentum in recent weeks and are unbeaten in four of their last five matches, earning a 1-0 victory at Santos in their previous fixture.
The champions have been almost unstoppable at home lately and are unbeaten in their last eight matches, picking up seven wins in that run. Manager Renato Paiva appears to focus on defensive solidity, with the hosts keeping six clean sheets in those eight fixtures.
While Botafogo are on the rise, Ceara have been slipping lately, losing their last two matches. Leo Conde's men lost 3-0 at Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil before falling 1-0 at home to Atletico Mineiro in their previous Serie A fixture.
Ceara have been poor on their travels and are winless in their last six away matches. Goalscoring has also been a problem as they have failed to find the net in their last three fixtures on the road.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing the champions
Botafogo have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with BoyleSports offering 4/9 for a home win. An unlikely victory for Ceara is priced at 9/2 while a draw has been set at 11/4 with BoyleSports.
Head to head: Botafogo on top
Botafogo have a 6-4 advantage with nine draws from 19 previous matches against Ceara. The last meeting between both teams was a Serie A clash in 2022, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Players to watch: Rock solid Jair
Botafogo’s home form has been built on a solid defence, keeping clean sheets in six of their last eight matches in front of their fans. Jair has been a rock at the heart of the backline and can lead the hosts to another clean sheet at 20/23 with Stake.
There is also quality at the other end of the pitch, Arthur scoring in two of the last three home matches. Jefferson Savarino has also been on target in the last two Serie A home matches for Botafogo and both men can help the hosts produce over 1.5 goals at 5/6 with Stake.
Probable lineups
Igor Jesus, Matheus Martins and Cuiabano remain unavailable due to several knocks. However, Rwan Cruz, Artur and Savarino are expected to start.
Ceara will be without Luiz Otávio, Gabriel Lacerda and Fernandinho due to injuries. However, Pedro Henrique, Raul and Mugni are expected to start.
Botafogo: Victor, Vitinho, Jair, Ricardo, Telles, Gregore, Allan, Freitas, Artur, Savarino, Cruz
Ceara: Miguel, Nicolas, Machado, Marilon, Fabiano, Mugni, Sobral, Diego, Galeano, Henrique, Raul
Anything else catch the eye?
Botafogo have won to nil in six of their last eight matches in all competitions and could be set for a repeat at 5/4 with Stake. The champions are also solid going forward and having produced over 1.5 goals in seven of their last eight matches in all competitions, a similar outcome can be considered at 5/6 with BoyleSports.
Having scored in both halves in six of their last eight home matches in all competitions. Botafogo can also be backed to produce a similar outcome at 15/8 with BoyleSports.
GambleAware