Fortaleza vs Botafogo Prediction: The Cariocas must win their game in hand to reclaim the top spot

The Brasileirão is drawing to a close, but before the last four rounds are played, the CBF has used the international break to correct the schedule with the five pending matches. Of these fixtures, the one between Fortaleza and Botafogo is perhaps the most important because it could determine whether Botafogo overtakes Palmeiras and regain the lead that has held for practically the entire competition.

The Leão do Pici had two games in hand and lost the first one a few days ago at home to Cruzeiro. Despite the team's poor form, it was thought that the meeting with the Mineiros, who are fighting to avoid relegation, would be the ideal opportunity to return to winning ways, but Fortaleza lost again. The Cearenses haven't won in seven games in the Brasileirão and have fallen down the table to 12th place. This position gives them access to the Copa Sudamericana. Still, Internacional, which has the same 43 points as Fortaleza, is waiting for a slip-up by the Cearenses to take that place by storm. Botafogo is involved in the title race and promises to be a tough opponent despite everything that has happened to the Cariocas recently.

After four straight defeats, just when it looked like Botafogo would finally win at the RB Bragantino's stadium, the home team scored in the 96th minute to tie the game. It was the last time Lúcio Flávio was in charge of the team, and he will forever be linked to this dark period for Botafogo if the team loses the title. Tiago Nunes is the new coach and has to restore the players' confidence for the last five matches. A win in his debut would be the best thing to happen to the new coach and the Glorioso, which would reclaim the lead with four games to play in the Brasileirão. It's a crucial game for Botafogo.

When coaches are replaced due to poor results, teams often improve psychologically, at least in the short term. Confidence is what Tiago Nunes is expected to bring to his players. Both teams are in their worst moment of the season, so there is no favorite. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Botafogo with the expectation of improvement with the new coach.