Fortaleza vs Botafogo: Who will win today!

Botafogo will play their Brazilian league match at home to Fortaleza on Thursday at the Castelao stadium. However, both teams have struggled in form. Botafogo have lost their last six matches, while Fortaleza have not won in their last seven league matches. This upcoming clash could prove to be a turning point for both armies.

The home side lost their 14th match of the season to Cruzeiro, 1-0, in their last league match. However, the visitors came back to draw 2-all against RB Bragantino to end their four-match losing streak.

It was a remarkable performance, as it saved a fifth straight league defeat. Meanwhile, Palmeiras, who won the league title the previous season, managed to win 3-0 at Internacional to move to the top of the league table ahead of the visitors.

The visitors have led the league since May and are now two points behind Palmeiras. This is an incentive not to lose focus because this team wants to return to first place. By winning against Fortaleza, they can regain first place in the league with one game in hand.

Key figures and H2H

Botafogo are preparing for their 16th match against Fortaleza in Brazil. Botafogo have won ten of these matches. However, Fortaleza have managed to beat their southern counterpart three times, but have drawn the other two.

Last season, Botafogo beat their rivals Fortaleza on two occasions, 3-1 in both legs. Continuing the winning tradition, they managed to win at home 2-0 in the first leg earlier this month.

It has not been easy for Fortaleza recently, as they have won just one of their seven league matches. They have also struggled to score, failing to score in four of those matches.

The team’s away performance has also failed to impress. They have won just two of their last 11 away games in all competitions, failing to score in six of them.

Who to watch this Friday?

Fortaleza vs Botafogo, Tequinho Soares is definitely the player to watch. There is no denying that the impact of his recent dip in form is similar to that of Botafogo. Tequinho has scored 16 goals and provided four assists in Serie A this season for Botafogo, who have battled their way into the title race. The match against Fortaleza could be just the turning point in his form. To win this important match, Botafogo need to get back to form and have a good player.

Fortaleza team news:

Fortaleza (managed by Juan Vojvoda) are almost complete, and this is a significant injury loss. Hercules is unavailable for selection due to a ruptured cruciate ligament.

Fortaleza are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation for the upcoming match. Joao Ricardo should play in goal for this team. Tinga, Emmanuel Pretes, Tete and Bruno Pacheco could form the defence. Ze Willison and Caio Alexandre are likely to be deployed as a central midfield duo while Yago Pikachu, Kalebi and Imanol Machuca will take on the more advanced midfield roles. Chiefs, Juan Martin Lucero will lead the attack. The above formation is balanced, looking to defend well and attack at the same time.

Botafogo team news:

Botafogo coach Thiago Nunes has some fitness issues in his squad. Both Patrick De Paula and Rafael are sidelined with knee problems, so they will not be available for selection.

Under these circumstances, we expect Botafogo to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation in the upcoming match. Perry is likely to lead the team through play in goals. The lace could be made up of Lionel Dib, Adrillson, Victor Cuesta and Fernando Marchel. In the middle, the duo of Tchê Tchê and Marlon Freitas could be, who will also cover the defense and initiate attacks.

Junior Santos, Carlos Eduardo and João Victor Sá could play in the attacking midfield with the goal of scoring. The main striker, who was the top scorer in this edition of the league, is expected to lead the line in attack. He allows for a stable defense and a flexible attack forward.