Grêmio vs Botafogo Prediction: Two unlikely contenders who want to be Champions

Who would have thought a match between a team promoted from Série B against the 11th-ranked team in the last league would be so important? Football is indeed surprising, and in Brazil, even more so. Grêmio, the second-placed team, receives the leader Botafogo and will try to reduce the seven points that separate the two teams. Both sides are on a good run, with four wins in the last five games of the Brasileirão. For now, Grêmio is seen as an outsider to the title, but the team has shown its capacity and has the advantage of not having such a busy schedule. Botafogo, which was not even a candidate to enter the Libertadores Cup at the beginning, is perhaps now the favorite for the title thanks to its point advantage over its rivals, who seem distracted. The one who doesn't seem distracted is Grêmio, who will try to take advantage of the home factor to get closer to Botafogo. In the 65 games played between the two teams, Grêmio won 28 times, Botafogo won 19, and there were 18 draws.

Grêmio

In this Brasileirão, the Tricolor has managed five wins and two draws in seven games played at the Arena do Grêmio. The Gaúchos have scored 17 goals and conceded 7. Considering last season's Série B matches, Grêmio hasn't lost at home for ten months. These are numbers that show the difficult task that Botafogo will face. Another important fact is that Botafogo has not beaten Grêmio since 2018. Renato Portaluppi's team is very scrappy and will have the support of their loyal fans.

Expected opening lineup for Grêmio

Gabriel Grando; Bruno Uvini, Bruno Alves, Kannemann; João Pedro, Villasanti, Carballo, Reinaldo; Bitello, Cristaldo, Luis Suárez.

Botafogo

The Lone Star continues its journey at the top of the Brasileirão. Despite the shock of the departure of coach Luis Castro to Al-Nassr, Botafogo won the classic game against Vasco da Gama. With interim coach Caçapa, the Glorioso increased the distance to the second-placed team, which is now Grêmio, their next opponent. If it is not easy to play at the Arena, it is also not easy to host Botafogo since the Cariocas have the best away record. In round 12, the leader won at Palmeiras' stadium in a similar duel.

Expected opening lineup for Botafogo

Lucas Perri; Di Plácido, Adryelson, Cuesta, Marçal; Marlon Freitas, Tchê Tchê, Eduardo; Júnior Santos, Tiquinho Soares, Luís Henrique.

Expert Betting Tips

In a big game like this, anything can happen. The game will probably be decided in small details. Botafogo will try to replicate their game against Palmeiras based on great defensive rigor. I'll bet on a total of goals under three.