Santos vs Botafogo Prediction: If Botafogo doesn't win, it will be a big surprise

Botafogo has dominated the Brasileirão so far. The twelve-point lead over Flamengo is comfortable and reflects the Glorioso's great superiority. In 15 matches, Botafogo has won 13 and lost just twice. It has the second-best attack and the best defense in the league. Botafogo has played and beaten Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Grêmio in their stadiums and beat Fluminense at home. All these teams are placed in the top six. At the moment, it is the side that everyone wants to defeat, and that is what Santos will try. However, the Peixe is doing a modest championship and will play without an audience again at the Vila Belmiro.

After twelve games without a win, Santos finally managed a victory against Goiás in a thrilling 4-3 win. However, in the next round, the 15th, they lost again. It was against São Paulo in the San-São derby, a 4-1 defeat. Coach Paulo Turra has a tough task ahead of him in this championship. Santos is a great club, has demanding fans but does not seem to have a squad with the quality of other seasons. Defensively the team is somewhat vulnerable, a gap that Botafogo can take advantage of.

João Paulo; João Lucas, Messias, Joaquim, Dodô; Dodi, Rodrigo Fernández, Lucas Lima; Mendoza, Marcos Leonardo, Lucas Braga.

The Lone Star club qualified for the next stage of the Copa Sudamericana with a second-leg home draw against Patronato. Botafogo will face Guaraní in the round of 16. Portuguese coach Bruno Lage, on his debut, did not use most of the usual players in the starting eleven and now has a fresh team for his first game in the Brasileirão. Botafogo has won its last six league games, scored ten goals, and conceded none. The team so far has been solid as a rock, and if Botafogo does not beat Santos, it will be a big surprise.

Lucas Perri; Di Plácido, Cuesta, Adryelson, Marçal; Tchê Tchê, Marlon Freitas, Eduardo; Junior Santos, Tiquinho Soares, Luis Henrique.

Botafogo is the best team in Brazil at the moment, while Santos is a team looking for its best that will play without the support of its fans. In football, everything is possible, and surprises happen, but I will bet on another Botafogo victory.