Botafogo vs Vitória Prediction: Botafogo is under pressure

Botafogo's margin over second-placed Palmeiras has shrunk from six points to just two with four games remaining in the Brasileirão. The Cariocas have drawn two consecutive games 0-0, showing their problems against teams that play a deep defense. It's crucial to beat Vitória before the massive clash with Palmeiras in Round 36.

The Lone Star club failed to score a goal against Atlético Mineiro, who played with ten players from the 40th minute. The game was a preview of the Copa Libertadores final that will be played between the two teams at the end of the month, although the Miners didn't play at full strength. Botafogo shot 27 times, but only four were on target. Artur Jorge's men showed signs of feeling the pressure from Palmeiras. The Paulistas made a fantastic recovery last year and stole the title from Botafogo. Barboza was sent off in the 97th minute, and Luiz Henrique received a red card after the end of the game, and they won't be playing against Vitória.

The Barra's Lion beat direct opponent Criciúma away and took a big step away from relegation. The home side was down to ten players, and the Baianos made the most of it. The game's only goal came from Janderson's header from a corner kick. Vitória is now 12th with 41 points, four above the Z4. The Salvador club is not out of the woods yet, not least because it will face strong teams in the final rounds.

Botafogo fans are nervous after two consecutive draws, and the bad memories of last year have started to surface. The Glorious had a six-point lead over Palmeiras, but now only two points separate the two sides. The Cariocas seem to be succumbing to the pressure in the decisive phase of the league. Vitória won in Criciúma in the last round and recorded its fourth victory in five matches. In its most recent home game, Botafogo drew 0-0 with Cuiabá, the second from bottom. The odds for a Botafogo victory are low, so I'm leaning to risk on a draw. However, I wouldn't recommend anyone to follow this suggestion. A game where at least one of the teams doesn't score is a much safer option.