Palmeiras vs Botafogo Prediction: The game everyone wants to watch in Brazil

This match between the two best teams of the Brasileirão is expected to be hot. There are five points now separating second-placed Palmeiras from the leader Botafogo. After Palmeiras' surprising defeat against Bahia, only victory matters to restore the two-point gap to Botafogo. The Cariocas are now much calmer, as they know that even if they lose, they will continue to lead the Brasileirão. If Botafogo wins, they leave the Paulistas 8 points behind, which would be a considerable point advantage.

The 1-0 loss against Bahia was the first one for the Verdão in the league. It was a defeat that came at the worst possible time. Palmeiras was two points behind Botafogo, and if they had won in Salvador, they could now overtake the Cariocas in this round. Now the pressure on the Paulistas is enormous, and they are practically forced to win this game to reduce the five-point gap. Palmeiras will again be able to count on the internationals who were absent from the match against Bahia. Gabriel Menino, who received the third yellow card and can't play, is an important casualty.

The Glorioso team not only managed to overcome the difficult game in Cuiabá but also increased the distance to Palmeiras before facing them. This bonus was certainly not in the Cariocas' plans, but now leaves them more relaxed. The display against Cuiabá was not the best, but a penalty goal from Tiquinho Soares was enough to bring the three points from the Pantanal. Botafogo's lead in the championship no longer seems accidental; the team has won nine games in eleven rounds. This match will be difficult against the experienced Palmeiras, which is more used to this kind of match, but one thing is certain; Botafogo will continue in the first place one more round, no matter what happens at the Allianz Parque. The central defender Adryelson was substituted in the second half against Cuiabá and can miss the match.

Palmeiras is the favorite, plays at home, defends the title, and will want to show who's the boss. Botafogo, away from home, struggles a little bit. I will bet on less than 3 goals scored, both teams don't concede many goals, and I can make a safer bet.