The Brasileirão Série A clash between Botafogo and Bahia promises fireworks! Both teams are neck-and-neck with 40 points, making this a crucial encounter in the race for a coveted G4 spot. Let's dive into the details of this exciting match-up.
Team Form and Recent Results
Botafogo currently sits 5th in the standings, but their recent form has been shaky. A 2-0 defeat to Fluminense in the classic derby was a setback, following a 1-1 draw against Grêmio. Their last victory came against Atlético-MG with a narrow 1-0 scoreline. They'll be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans.
Bahia, just behind Botafogo in 6th place, also shares a similar inconsistent run of form. They managed a win against Palmeiras thanks to a goal from Ademir, but consistency has been elusive. They'll be aiming to upset Botafogo and leapfrog them in the table.
Predicted Lineups
Here's a look at the potential starting elevens for both sides:
- Botafogo: Léo Lick, Vitinho, Kaio Pantaleão, Alexander Barbosa, Cuiabano, Marlon Freitas, Newton, Santiago Rodríguez, Savarino, Artur, Arthur Cabral.
- Bahia: Ronaldo, Gilberto, Gabriel Xavier, Ramos Mingo, Luciano Juba, Rodrigo Nestor, Jean Lucas, Éverton Ribeiro, Sanabria, Willian José, Kayky.
Bahia's Injury Woes
Bahia faces a mounting injury crisis, with Luciano Juba being the latest addition to the list. He suffered a thigh injury during the first half against Botafogo, adding to the concerns of manager Rogério Ceni. Other absentees include Kanu, David Duarte, Erick, Ruan Pablo, Caio Alexandre, Erick Pulga, and João Paulo. Ceni will have a tough task reorganizing his defense and attack amidst these challenges.
Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 21:30 (Brasília time) at the Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. South African viewers can check local listings for broadcast details or explore streaming options.
Prediction
Given Botafogo's home advantage and Bahia's injury concerns, Botafogo might have a slight edge. However, Bahia's determination to break into the top four could make this a closely contested affair. A draw wouldn't be a surprise.