Palmeiras and Botafogo will do battle in a hotly-anticipated all-Brazilian clash at the Club World Cup on Saturday evening.
The two clubs have become familiar foes in recent years, having pushed each other to their limits in the race for the Brazilian top‑flight title in two of the last three seasons.
Now both targeting Club World Cup glory, the pair will enter the knockout round having both performed well during the group stage of the competition.
Palmeiras placed first in Group A, avoiding defeat in each of their opening three matches of the tournament.
As for Botafogo, they took second spot in Group B, finishing as runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, it is worth noting that Renato Paiva’s side pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far by defeating the newly-crowned European champions 1-0 on matchday two.
How the bookies view it: Palmeiras to progress
The bookmakers’ odds suggests that Palmeiras will progress to the quarter-final stage, with Abel Ferreira’s side 11/8 favourites on Boylesports.
Meanwhile, Botafogo are as big as 21/10 to triumph with Boylesports, while the 90 minute draw has been priced up at 9/5 with the same firm.
Head to head: Another stalemate in store?
Two of the last three meetings between the pair have ended all square, including a goalless draw at the end of March. Bundling up a draw alongside Under 2.5 Goals will bring about an eye-catching 23/10 shot via the Boylesports Bet Builder tool.
Players to watch: Jesus to answer Botafogo’s prayers?
Considered one of the brightest young talents in South America, Palmeiras’ Estevao is a player to keep an eye on during this showdown. The Chelsea-bound teenager looks overpriced to get on the scoresheet here at 3/1 with Boylesports.
After scoring against both Seattle Sounders and PSG, Botafogo will look to Igor Jesus for inspiration on Saturday evening. Backing Jesus and the above-mentioned Estevao to each register at least one shot on target will generate an attractive 7/5 double on UniBet.
Predicted line-ups
Palmeiras will once again be unable to call upon the services of Bruno Rodrigues, while midfielder Mauricio could come into the starting XI after scoring as a substitute last time out.
Botafogo’s Gregore will serve a one-match suspension after receiving a yellow card in each of his last two outings at the Club World Cup, so fellow midfielder Newton could deputise.
Palmeiras: Weverton; Giay, Gomez, Murilo; Torres, Rios, Moreno, Piquerez; Estevao, Mauricio; Lopez
Botafogo: John; Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Newton, Allan, Freitas; Artur, Jesus, Savarino
Anything else catch the eye?
Tempers could well boil over in this all-Brazilian affair, and the aforementioned Igor Jesus could well be in the thick of it.
The all-action Botafogo striker likes to throw his weight around, committing two fouls in each of his last two outings at the Club World Cup.
With that in mind, the 9/4 on offer with Bet 365 for Jesus to commit another two fouls during this clash looks well worthy of support.
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