Juventude vs Botafogo Prediction: The leader faces a tricky opponent

Botafogo beat Atlético Goianiense 4-1 away and took advantage of Flamengo's defeat to take the Brasileirão throne. Now, the Lone Star team travels to Caxias do Sul to face Juventude, one of the best teams performing at home in the Série A. 

The Ju drew 2-2 with Fluminense at the Maracanã in the Copa do Brasil and secured qualification for the quarter-finals. Juventude had won 3-2 in the first leg, and Lucas Barbosa's goal after just 6 minutes gave the team the faith to go through to the next stage of the competition. In the last round of the league, the Gaúchos drew 1-1 on the road against Corinthians in a game in which they finished with nine players. Jair Ventura's men were heroes to hold out for a draw in such difficult conditions. Juventude is in 13th place and hasn't won in five league games, but the performances against Corinthians and Fluminense were encouraging.

The Glorioso is out of the Copa do Brasil after losing 1-0 to Bahia in the second leg of the Round of 16. The two teams had drawn in the first leg, so Botafogo had to win in Salvador. Gregore's sending off just before half-time didn't help the Cariocas, who tried the impossible in the second half. A goal from Uruguayan Luciano Rodríguez in the 87th minute ended Botafogo's hopes of progressing in the competition. Coach Artur Jorge will have some problems forming his starting line-up against Juventude. Luiz Henrique picked up his third yellow card and is suspended, while several players are injured. A few days after the game in Caxias do Sul, Botafogo will face Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores, so this will be a complicated week for the club.

Juventude usually causes problems for any team at its stadium, where it has only lost one game. Botafogo can expect a tough match, as the Gaúchos beat Flamengo at the Alfredo Jaconi. The Cariocas won't be able to field their best line-up due to injuries and penalties, and there's a game with Palmeiras in the midweek for the Copa Libertadores. Artur Jorge, Botafogo's coach, has to keep his players in good physical condition for the clash with Palmeira. I'm leaning toward a surprise result, so I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of the home team.