Botafogo vs. Sao Paulo: Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

Estadio Nilton Santos will host Thursday morning's opening leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinal match between Brasileiro rivals Botafogo and Sao Paulo.

The home team advanced past Palmeiras, the reigning league winners, in the round of 16, while the away team defeated Nacional, a team from Uruguay's Primera Division.

Previous Matchès and Head to head

Not only are Botafogo at the top of their local league, but they have also reached the top eight in the Copa Libertadores, continuing their remarkable growth from season to season.

With a record of 16 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses in 26 top-flight matches, Fogo currently has 53 points, three more than Palmeiras and four more than third-place Fortaleza.

Their outstanding offensive output—45 goals in Brasileiro, more than any other team in the division this term—has been a critical component of their success under former Braga coach Artur Jorge.

For Fogo, Junior Santos has been the star performer. He has scored nine goals in twelve games, including four in a qualifying match against Aurora. However, he will most likely miss the remainder of the season due to his fractured ankle in July.

Although both matches last season ended in draws, the hosts have been the more dominant team in this rivalry lately, going undefeated in the past six meetings (W4 D2 L0).

With 13 points after six matches, including four wins, one tie, and one defeat, Sao Paulo breezed through the group round of this tournament.

Tricolor Paulista has been steadily improving in the domestic league since 2021, when they finished in the middle of the pack three times in a row. They are now in fifth position, one point behind Flamengo for the fourth and last automatic qualifying slot to the Libertadores, and they are also tasting great success abroad.

Before the international break, Luis Zubeldia's squad struggled, losing to Atletico Mineiro and Fluminense in consecutive games. After the break, they bounced back with a goalless draw away to Galo in the Copa do Brasil and a 1-0 league win over Cruzeiro, although it was far from convincing.

Also, Sao Paulo has had a better season overall than in previous years, but they still have a terrible road record. In their past nine road games across all competitions, they have only won once and failed to score in six of those matches.

Botafogo x Sao Pualo Team News

With Carlos Eduardo out for the season with a thigh injury and Santos with a fractured ankle, Botafogo might be down to seven players for this encounter.

Injuries to Cuiabano (thigh), Jeffinho (knee), Pablo (thigh), and Rafael (knee) are sure starters, although Matheus Nascimento, who has been out for a long with a hamstring rupture, might make the matchday roster.

Six players are currently sidelined with injuries for Sao Paulo, including long-term absentees Pablo Maia (since April) and Alisson (since July).

Patrick (shoulder), Joao Moreira (thigh), and Ferreirinha (hamstring) are anticipated to be out until next month, while Rodrigo Nestor (ankle strain) has been doubtful for the last two games.

Our prediction

Botafogo to win @ 1.83 on Sky247.ng

Botafogo is undefeated in its past six matches across all competitions. After an absolutely astonishing climb to the top of the league rankings, it will approach this encounter full of confidence.

Furthermore, the home team is now on a four-game winning run at Estadio Nilton Santos, which we expect to continue with a victory here.

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