Cruzeiro vs Botafogo Prediction: Both teams are uneasy

Cruzeiro and Botafogo have new managers after poor results in the first part of the season. After losing the Campeonato Mineiro to rival Atlético at home, Ronaldo Nazário, who owns the club, lost his patience and changed coach just days before the Brasileirão kick-off. Fernando Seabra is the club's new coach. The season started in January, and Botafogo presented its third coach of the season a week ago. Portuguese Artur Jorge will try to restore confidence to a club that missed the chance to become the Brazilian champion incredibly. Every coach needs time to work with the players, so we'll see how the teams perform in this match.

Cruzeiro

The Miners drew 3-3 at home to Colombia's Alianza after leading 3-0 after 19 minutes. It appeared promising Fernando Seabra's debut on the Cruzeiro bench, but it all turned into a nightmare. The Fox will start the Brasileirão without much confidence. The team conceded three goals at home for the second consecutive game. The club's aim at this point in its existence can't be too ambitious, as there isn't much money to invest. Above all, the Belo Horizonte club wants to do a quiet league and get as far as possible in the Copa Sudamericana and Copa do Brasil. It will be interesting to see how Cruzeiro takes on Botafogo.

Botafogo

Artur Jorge didn't have the best debut as Botafogo's coach, either. The team lost 1-0 to Liga de Quito in Ecuador, but the result was flattering. The home team could easily have scored more goals. The Glorioso side is in trouble in the Copa Libertadores with two defeats in two games. Domestically, after missing out on the title with a bang last year, having been 13 points clear in second place, Botafogo seems to be somewhat without direction. Last season was traumatic, and it will be hard to forget what happened. The new coach must restore confidence in the squad.

Expert Betting Tips

Considering the goals Cruzeiro has conceded lately and that Botafogo coach Artur Jorge has an offensive approach, it's fair to think there will be several goals at the Mineirão. I am, however, leaning towards Botafogo scoring more goals than Cruzeiro. I'll bet on a Double Chance for the Cariocas because I think the Copa Libertadores defeat will provoke a positive reaction in the players.