Botafogo vs Fortaleza Prediction: Botafogo leader under pressure to win

A very important game awaits us at the Olympic Stadium Nilton Santos. After the defeat in the last round with Athletico Paranaense, Botafogo can lose the leadership of the Brasileirão this round if they suffer another blow. The pressure of the 1st place seems to start affecting the Carioca team, especially in away games. So far, Botafogo has won all its home matches. Fortaleza is in 9th place and has struggled away from home, where they only managed to beat the last-ranked team, Coritiba. Botafogo has taken wide advantage in the two teams' history in all competitions. In a total of 18 games, the Cariocas have won 12 times and the Baianos only 3.

This week, the Glorioso managed to get a 0-0 draw in Quito, Ecuador. This result allows them to continue on top of the Copa Sudamericana Group A. The team couldn't count on Tiquinho Soares; the team's top scorer is injured. It is not known yet if the striker will be able to play against Fortaleza, and Botafogo does not have an option on the bench at the same level. In the defensive sector, the team is well organized. Luis Castro's team only conceded one goal at home. It is true that the Cariocas can be overtaken by Palmeiras if they lose this game, but they can also leave this matchday with the leadership strengthened. The defending champion has a derby to play in this round with São Paulo at the Morumbi.

The Leão do Pici also leads its group in the Sudamericana, but in this week's match, they suffered a 1-0 loss against Estudiantes Mérida, in Venezuela. In the last round of the Série A, the Cearenses couldn't do better than a 0-0 against Bahia. The last two games’ performances were modest and certainly for the most pessimistic fans, a victory at the field of the leader of the Brasileirão seems unlikely at the moment. However, Fortaleza is a competent team that on a good day can create a lot of problems for any opponent.

If Botafogo can't count on Tiquinho Soares they will be limited in their attack, but even without their top scorer they are favorites. They are the leaders and play at home despite possible nerves.