Prediction: Sao Paulo vs Botafogo

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to extend their stay at the top of the Serie A table, Botafogo will travel to the Morumbi when they meet Sao Paulo late on Wednesday night.

Sao Paulo

Starting with the hosts, enjoying what has been a real Serie A flurry this season, Sao Paulo have their sights firmly set on clinching a Copa Libertadores spot in 2024. Although some in Luis Zubeldia’s men might have been frustrated last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Juventude, the one-time Alaves boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous seven Serie A appearances. Opening July with an eye-catching 2-0 win against Bragantino, the Soberano should also be excited by their extended success on home soil. Last seen at the Morumbi claiming a gritty 1-0 victory against Gremio, Sao Paulo have won all of their previous four showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 8-2.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance since the end of April and still dealing with an extended muscle injury, 22-year-old Pablo Maia will not feature here. However, serving a one-match suspension against Juventude last week, former Ituano youngster Igor Vinicius will return to Zubeldia’s squad on Wednesday night.

While former Guimaraes striker Andre Silva might have failed to find the net in any of his previous three appearances, the 27-year-old will keep his spot spearheading Sao Paulo’s attack. Continuing to shine this season and recording four top-flight strikes, former Tottenham star Lucas Moura will play a leading role here.

Botafogo

As for the visitors, embarking on what has been a sensational Serie A romp this season, Botafogo find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Last seen over the weekend putting in another rugged performance as they secured a 1-0 victory at home against Internacional, Arthur Jorge’s men have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across Brazil’s elite. Opening up Wednesday’s trip to Sao Paulo holding a three-point buffer at the top of the table, the Lone Star have their sights firmly set on securing a first Serie A crown in 2024. Riding what has been a famous wave of momentum, Botafogo have won all of their previous five top-flight appearances and they will be desperate to make another statement here. It should also be highlighted, Jorge’s camp have collected 13 points from their last five Serie A showdowns against Wednesday’s hosts.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Botafogo will be unable to call upon the trio of Matheus Nascimento, Jeffinho and former Manchester United defender Rafael here. However, aside from their long-term absentees, Jorge’s side have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions to worry about ahead of Wednesday’s trip to the Morumbi.

Arriving from Spanish outfit Real Valladolid last season, 28-year-old goalkeeper John Victor will start between the sticks. Forced to settle for a spot on the bench during last weekend’s 1-0 victory against Internacional, one-time Porto striker Tiquinho Soares could be handed a full recall.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Sao Paulo and Botafogo last met 11 months ago, Wednesday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate at the Morumbi.
• However, Botafogo have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A showdowns against Sao Paulo.
• The Lone Star have won all of their previous five appearances by an aggregate score of 8-1.
• Likewise, Sao Paulo have won all of their previous four matchups on home soil by an aggregate score of 8-2.
• Four of the last five meetings between Wednesday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Botafogo might be in the midst of a stellar Serie A romp, the leading title contenders will be more than aware that they face a stern examination here. Despite collecting 13 points from their previous five Serie A showdowns against Sao Paulo, Wednesday’s opponents do have a habit of producing cagey affairs when they meet. It should be highlighted, with four of their previous five meetings between the two Brazilian giants finishing with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome at the Morumbi.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet