RB Bragantino vs Botafogo Prediction: Botafogo is in a deep crisis

In our prediction for the game between Botafogo and Grêmio in the last round, we wondered what else could happen to the league leader after its 4-3 defeat to Palmeiras, blowing a three-goal lead at half-time. Well, something similar happened against Grêmio, as Botafogo was leading 3-1 and allowed its opponent to come back and lose again 4-3. Sometimes, supernatural phenomena happen in football. RB Bragantino, just a point behind Botafogo, can take advantage of the Cariocas' deep crisis, which may have a new coach on after this round, keeping Lúcio Flávio in charge for now.

The Massa Bruta didn't do well in the away game against São Paulo and ended up losing 1-0. Despite using Santos' stadium, the home team proved to be a tricky opponent for Red Bull, which never managed to impose its game. Even so, the team from Bragança Paulista could have brought home a point, but a penalty conceded in the last moments of the match threw everything away. Just one point behind Botafogo, Grêmio, and Palmeiras, RB Bragantino is fighting for the title despite being a young side. A good reaction to the defeat against São Paulo is very important.

The Lone Star is in decline and, at the moment, looks more like a shooting star. The team has suffered its fourth defeat in a row and seems to have internalized that it won't finish in first place. Although losing streaks aren't that uncommon in the Brasileirão, as even Palmeiras and Grêmio recently had four and three-game losing streaks, respectively, Botafogo seems to have collapsed. The way they allowed their direct competitors to turn the result around has devastated the players.

Although it's not official yet, this is supposed to be the last game for coach Lúcio Flávio, who will soon be replaced near the end of the league. It's still a strange decision if confirmed, but Brazilian football is more emotional than rational. In theory, RB Bragantino is the favorite, but the team didn't do well in its last game either. I'm inclined to bet on a Double Chance for Botafogo, knowing that it's a risky bet. The risk/reward ratio is quite attractive, and a draw is not impossible.