Prediction: Botafogo vs Bahia

Verdict: Botafogo win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Turning their attention back to Copa do Brasil action in the early hours of Wednesday, Botafogo will welcome Bahia to the Nilton Santos.

Botafogo

Starting with the hosts, putting in a nightmare performance last weekend as they fell to a shock 3-0 drumming at the hands of Cruzeiro, Botafogo will certainly be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, still leading the chase at the top of the Serie A standings and looking to get their hands on a first domestic crown since 1995, the Lone Star will be excited to turn their attention back to Copa do Brasil action in midweek. Despite watching their eight-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end last time out, Arthur Jorge’s men have still gained a reputation for their largely rugged performances on home soil. Opening July with a routine 3-0 romp against Atletico-MG, Botaofo have collected 12 points from their previous five Serie A matchups at the Nilton Santos.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Botafogo are once again without the trio of Matheus Nascimento, Jeffinho, and one-time Manchester United defender Rafael here. Turning their attention back to Copa do Brasil duties in midweek, Jorge could be tempted to make a handful of changes at the Nilton Santos.

Settling for a spot on the bench during last weekend’s 3-0 defeat against Cruzeiro, former Real Betis striker Luiz Henrique should be handed an immediate recall. Despite still waiting to open his account after arriving from Dubai-based outfit Al-Ahil this summer, Igor da Cruz will once again feature in the final third.

Bahia

As for the visitors, while Bahia might have claimed a much-welcomed 3-1 victory against Athletico-PR earlier in the month, the Tricolor have drastically struggled to find any kind of fluidity. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak over the weekend astray eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Internacional, Rogerio Ceni’s men have collected just a sole victory from any of their previous six appearances against top-flight opposition. Signing off June with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Sao Paulo, Bahia have also continued to show some glaring defensive struggles. Including a 2-1 loss at home against Cuiaba on July 13th, Wednesday’s guests have registered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 12 consecutive Serie A showdowns – a run that stems back over the past six weeks.

Team News

Still on the sidelines with a long-term injury issue and not making a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Bahia will once again be without Nicolas Acevedo here. However, aside from the former New York City midfielder, Ceni’s squad have reported a clean bill of health.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench during last weekend’s 1-1 stalemate against Internacional, veteran midfielder Everton Ribeiro could be handed a full recall. Although Everaldo might have notched just a single strike in any of his previous nine appearances, the 35-year-old will lead Bahia’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Botafogo and Bahia last met at the Nilton Santos 11 months ago, the Lone Star collected a 3-0 victory.
• In fact, Wednesday’s hosts have won three of their previous four home fixtures against Bahia.
• Bahia have collected just a single victory from any of their previous six meetings against Serie A opposition.
• Despite their shock 3-0 loss against Cruzeiro last weekend, Botafogo have collected 12 points from their previous five showdowns at the Nilton Santos.
• Nine of the last 12 meetings between Wednesday’s opponents have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Watching their purple patch come to an abrupt end last weekend, Botafogo are certainly seeking an immediate response here. Looking to extend on their Copa do Brasil adventure and collecting 12 points from their previous five Serie A showdowns at the Nilton Santos, Wednesday’s hosts should be smelling a real opportunity in midweek. Landing a 3-0 victory when they welcomed Bahia to town 11 months ago, we are expecting a similar home win here.

Verdict: Botafogo win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet