Verdict: Botafogo RJ win
Best Odds: 7/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two sides who find themselves only separated in the Serie A standings by their goal difference, Botafogo will welcome Ceara to Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of Thursday.
Botafogo RJ
Starting with the hosts, booking their Copa Libertadores knockout stage ticket on May 28th as they clinched a 1-0 victory at home against Chilean outfit Universidad de Chile, Botafogo have come roaring back since their stuttering start to proceedings. Putting in another gritty display last weekend as they secured another 1-0 win against Santos, Renato Paiva’s side have come skyrocketing up the Serie A standings. Extending on their Copa do Brasil adventure last month as they claimed a 4-1 aggregate win against Capital, Thursday’s hosts will also be excited by their recent defensive steel. In fact, Botafogo have conceded just a single strike in over 360 minutes of action across all fronts. It should also be highlighted, Paiva’s camp have won their last five consecutive showdowns in Rio de Janeiro by an aggregate score of 14-2.
Botafogo RJ Team News
Dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance so far this season, former Lazio defender Bastos remains on the sidelines and will not feature here. However, after missing out away at Santos last weekend, Brazilian starlet Igor Jesus should return to Paiva’s squad.
Completing a permanent switch from Al-Nassr last year, one-time Alex Telles will start at left-back. Finding the net in three of his previous four appearances across all competitions, Arthur will partner former Everton star Allan in the middle of the park.
Ceara
As for the visitors, suffering late frustration at home against America MG last weekend as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the Castelao, Ceara have struggled to find any kind of fluidity since opening up the 2025 campaign. Watching their Copa del Rey adventure come to a thumping end on May 22nd as they were hit with a 4-0 aggregate defeat against Palmeiras, Leo Conde’s men have mustered just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Pencilled in as a real underdog contender when they travel to Rio de Janeiro, Ceara have continued to show some glaring issues on the road. Including a 1-0 loss against Bahia on April 22nd, Conde’s side have failed to win any of their last six showdowns away from the Castelao.
Ceara Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Ceara will once again be without the likes of Luis Otavio, Richardson and veteran goalkeeper Richard. However, returning to Conde’s squad last weekend, Palmeiras loanee Romulo should get some more minutes under his belt.
Despite turning 40 earlier in the year, Fernando Miguel will start between the sticks on Thursday. Despite failing to find the net in any of his last eight appearances across all competitions, Pedro Raul should keep his spot leading the line.
Botafogo RJ vs Ceara Key Factors to Consider
- When Botafogo and Ceara last met in August 2022, Thursday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in Rio de Janeiro.
- Botafogo have won their previous five straight matchups at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos by an aggregate score of 14-2.
- Ceara have failed to win any of their last six straight matchups away from the Castelao across all competitions.
- Likewise, Thursday’s guests have failed to find the net in any of their last three consecutive contests on the road.
- Botafogo have conceded just a single strike in over 360 minutes of action across all fronts.
Conclusion
Knowing that they can move into the Copa Libertadores spots in the early hours of Thursday, Botafogo should be smelling a real opportunity here. Clinching consecutive 1-0 victories over the past week, Conde’s camp will also be excited to make a return to home soil in midweek. Winning all of their previous five straight matchups at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos by an aggregate score of 14-2, Botafogo will meet a Ceara squad who has shown some glaring issues on the road. Enjoying what has become a recent flurry, we are backing a home victory in Rio de Janeiro.
Verdict: Botafogo RJ win
Best Odds: 7/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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