Bitesize Prediction: Botafogo RJ vs Vasco – 02/07/23

Competition: Brazil Serie A

Market: Botafogo RJ win

Odds: 3/4 @ 1xBet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Serie A table, Botafogo RJ will welcome Vasco to the Nilton Santos on Sunday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Botafogo might have been heartbroken after Luis Castro made the decision to accept a bumper Saudi Arabian payday, the Brazilian giants are in the midst of a remarkable purple patch. Last seen putting in a famous performance away at Palmeiras as they clinched a stunning 1-0 victory, the Lone Stars suddenly find themselves battling it out at the top of the Serie A table. Holding a remarkable seven-point buffer over the chasing pack when they return to the Nilton Santos this weekend, Fogo have now won each of their last three straight Serie A appearances. Likewise, suffering just a single defeat from any of their last 10 contests across all competitions – a run that stems back to May 17th – Sunday’s hosts have gained a real reputation for their defensive steel. Along with winning each of their previous three top-flight showdowns by an aggregate score of 4-0, Botafogo have recorded a clean sheet in each of their last four appearances.

As for the visitors, while Vasco might have made their Serie A return this season, it is no secret that the Admirals find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap in 2023. Although caretaker boss Willian Batista might have seen his temporary squad claim a crucial 1-0 victory at home against Cuiaba, that minor boost doesn’t cover what has been a woeful run on either side of the international break. Losing each of their other six top-flight appearances, the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit have also mustered just a single win from any of their previous 11 appearances across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to April 15th. Opening Sunday’s showdown sat three points adrift of safety, Vasco will be more than aware that they face a heavyweight challenge here. Suffering a 2-0 loss in their last trip to the Nilton Santos, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Bet: Botafogo RJ 3/4 to beat Vasco in Sunday’s Brazil Serie A battle @ 1xBet