Botafogo vs Bragantino Prediction: Can Bragantino halt Botafogo's winning streak?

Leader Botafogo hosts sixth-placed Bragantino in one of the most anticipated matches of round 15 of the Brasileirão. The Cariocas are unstoppable, on a five-game winning streak with eight goals scored and none conceded. This run of results is all the more impressive because two of these wins were achieved at the home of fearsome opponents, such as reigning champions Palmeiras and surprising Grêmio. Botafogo now has a comfortable 10-point lead over their pursuers and 12 points over Bragantino, who will be looking to stop a machine that has given their opponents no chance.

The departure of coach Luís Castro does not seem to have done much harm to the team for now. Cláudio Caçapa has successfully taken charge of the team in this transition period until the new coach Bruno Lage can exercise his functions on the Botafogo bench. Something that bureaucracy does not yet allow to happen in this round. For now, the former Lyon player, Caçapa is adding victories; after the big victory in Porto Alegre in the last round of the Brasileirão, Botafogo defeated this week Patronato away 2-0 in the Copa Sudamericana. The team remains very solid with a steel defense. In the last 11 games played, the Glorioso conceded only two goals. Whoever gets a clean sheet is always closer to victory. In this game against Bragantino, Botafogo will try to get their eighth win in eight home games.

The Massa Bruta is having a good season. The team is in sixth place with 24 points, only two points away from the second-placed Flamengo and Grêmio. Bragantino is also qualified for the knockout stage of the Copa Sudamericana. In the last round, RB Bragantino drew 0-0 with São Paulo at home. The team has only two defeats in the Brasileirão, like its opponent in this round. Pedro Caixinha's team is very organized and has talented players. If RB Bragantino can score first at Nilton Santos, Botafogo will have problems. The Red Bull team doesn't fear playing in the most difficult stadiums, as the away draws against Palmeiras, Grêmio, and Atlético Mineiro prove it.

Botafogo is the favorite for this game. I can't think otherwise. The Cariocas are the comfortable leaders of the championship. They are in a great moment and have won all their home games so far. Bragantino is a competent team and can definitely, on a good day, stop the best teams. I think Botafogo has some chances to drop the first points at home, but it will always be a risky bet.