Botafogo vs Goiás Prediction: Leader Botafogo is on a losing streak

After having absolutely dominated the first half of the Brasileirão, Botafogo's confidence was destroyed by being knocked out of the Copa Sudamericana. The Série A leader is on a terrible run of four consecutive defeats, three for the league. In the first 21 rounds, the Glorioso had only suffered two losses and had built up a big lead, but suddenly, the team's foundations began to shake. Palmeiras is now seven points behind and plays before Botafogo in this round. Whatever the Paulistas do at the Bragantino stadium, all that remains for Botafogo is to beat Goiás.

It's true that the three straight defeats in the Brasileirão have come against big clubs like Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, and Corinthians, but Botafogo's displays have been mediocre. The losses were always by the narrowest of margins, but Bruno Lage's team only scored one goal in the three encounters. Botafogo suffered its first home defeat against Flamengo, and after two away games in a row, the league leader is now back at home with a chance to return to winning ways. If the Lone Star team fails again against Goiás, a team from the bottom of the table, the pressure on the Portuguese coach could become unsustainable.

The Esmeraldino is currently in a relegation position since Santos has already beaten Vasco da Gama in Round 25. Although Goiás has improved considerably and is a difficult team to play against, its attacking sector is still not working well. In its last five matches, the side has drawn four and lost just one, showing that it is a tough opponent for any team. Only Palmeiras has managed to overcome the Esmeraldino recently, and, curiously, two of the last draws were against teams that have beaten Botafogo in its losing streak, namely Flamengo and Corinthians. Coach Armando Evangelista, also Portuguese, will try to complicate his compatriot's task by closing down Botafogo's paths to his team's goal.

Botafogo is under heavy pressure, but if the players take their minds off their bad results, they'll probably come out on top. However, Goiás' defense is very organized, and the Glorioso must be patient. I'm betting on Botafogo winning without conceding goals. Goiás' offensive problems could provide a clean sheet for Lucas Perri, Botafogo's goalkeeper.