Fortaleza vs Botafogo Preview: Who’s going to win today!

The Brazilian Serie A on Thursday has Botafogo playing at the Castelão against Fortaleza at home, in Fortaleza. However, both teams have had some form struggles. Botafogo has lost the last six of its matches, while Fortaleza has been without a win in the last seven league games. In this forthcoming confrontation, it might spell a turning point for the two armies.

The home team lost the game for the 14th time this season to Cruzeiro by a score of 1-0 in their last league match. However, the visitors made a comeback when they played a 2-all against RB Bragantino to end their losing streak of four matches.

It was remarkable, for it saved a fifth successive league defeat. In the meantime, Palmeiras who had been crowned as league winners the previous season managed a 3-0 win against Internacional and in turn, went top of the league table surpassing the visitors.

The visitors have led the league since May and now trail Palmeiras on two points. This is an incentive not to lose focus as this team desires to return to being number one. By securing a victory against Fortaleza, they can reclaim first place in the league standings with one game in hand.

Key numbers and H2H

Botafogo is preparing for its 16th outing against Fortaleza in Brasileiro. Botafogo has won ten times in these games. However, Fortaleza has succeeded to beat their southern counterparts for thrice, but draw in the others two encounters.

In the last season, Botafogo beat its rival, Fortaleza on two occasions, 3-1 at home and away. As a continuation of their winning tradition, they managed a 2-0 home win in the reverse fixture earlier this month.

It has not been easy for Fortaleza lately, as they have won only one game out of seven they played in the league. They have also found it difficult to score, having not managed a goal in four of these games.

The team’s performance at an away game has also failed to impress. They have managed only two wins in their last eleven away matches across all competitions and failed score in six of them.

Who to watch this Friday?

Fortaleza versus Botafogo, Tiquinho Soares will certainly be the player to watch out for. There is no denying about the impact of his recent dip in form similar to the performance of Botafogo. Tiquinho has netted 16 goals and made 4 assists in Serie A this season for Botafogo that made their way into the championship fight. A match with Fortaleza might just be the tipping point for his performance. With the aim of winning this important game Botafogo needs to recoup its form and for the player to perform well.

Fortaleza Team News:

Almost complete for Fortaleza (managed by Juan Vojvoda), one important loss due to injury. Hercules is unavailable for selection as he suffers from a cruciate ligament tear.

It is expected that Fortaleza will line up in 4-2-3-1 in their next game. João Ricardo should play as a goalkeeper in this team. Tinga, Emanuel Brítez, Titi and Bruno Pacheco may constitute the defence. Zé Welisson and Caio Alexandre will most possibly be positioned as the central duo of the midfield while Yago Pikachu, Calebe, and Imanol Machuca will hold more advanced midfield roles. Heads, Juan Martin Lucero will lead the attack. The above formation is a balanced one, striving for good defense and attack at the same time.

Botafogo Team News:

The head coach of Botafogo, Tiago Nunes, has a few fitness issues around his squad. Both Patrick de Paula and Rafael are out of action with knee problems, so they will not be available for selection.

In view of these conditions, we would expect Botafogo playing a 4-2-3-1 formation in their next game. Perri is most likely going to lead the team by playing in the goals. It can be made up of Leonel Dip lace, Adryelson, Victor Cuesta, and Fernando Marchel. In the middle, it is possible that the pairing may be Tchê Tchê and Marlon Freitas, who will also cover defence and initiate attacks.

Júnior Santos, Carlos Eduardo and Joao Victor Sá could be playing in the attacking midfield, aiming at goal-scoring. Tiquinho Soares is expected to lead the line, the main striker, and he was the top scorer in this edition of league. It enables a stable defense and a flexible forward offensive.