Botafogo vs Cruzeiro Prediction: Botafogo will face a tricky opponent

Botafogo finished the first half of the Brasileirão in first place with 15 wins, four draws, and three defeats. One of those defeats came against Cruzeiro in the opening round of the competition. The Cariocas are looking to win to remain solo in the first place and also to get revenge for that result.

The Glorious drew 2-2 away to São Paulo. Drawing at the Morumbi is never a bad result, but Botafogo's first-half display suggested a win was on the cards. São Paulo scored first after 6 minutes through Lucas Moura from the penalty spot, but Tiquinho Soares equalized after 11 minutes, also through a penalty, in a crazy start to the game. At 22', Cuiabano completed the turnaround, and it looked like Botafogo would clinch the victory. In the second half, the Paulistas took control of the match and equalized in the 60th minute through Ferreira. The home side missed some chances to make it 3-2, so Botafogo can be satisfied with the draw. For the game against Cruzeiro, coach Artur Jorge will not be on the bench due to suspension. Cuiabano and Marlon Freitas are also banned, and several players are injured. Júnior Santos, one of the team's best players, has broken his shin bone and will be out for a long time.

After losing away to Palmeiras, the Miners returned home and beat Juventude 2-0. It was their eighth win in eight home games, an impressive record. This time, the display wasn't brilliant, but Cruzeiro didn't make any mistakes while its opponent made two, which resulted in two penalties for handball. The Fox is in fifth place with one game in hand and can still dream of a better position if it improves on the road. Cruzeiro lost away to Flamengo and Palmeiras despite putting up a fight, showing that something is still lacking to win games in the stadiums of the best teams. Against Botafogo, the Miners will have another chance.

Botafogo is deservedly leading the standings after the first half of the Brasileirão. The Glorious hasn't lost in eight games and has been the most consistent side in the competition, something that is extremely difficult to achieve in a league where the balance between the teams reigns supreme. Botafogo is the favorite in this game, but Cruzeiro is in fifth place, so it's a top-quality team. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Botafogo with a minimum of two goals scored in the match.