Botafogo vs Bahia Prediction: Botafogo wants to resume its winning ways

The league leader has drawn four of its last five games, curiously, or perhaps not, since Tiquinho Soares, the team's top scorer, went off injured. Although the 11-point lead over second-placed Palmeiras is still large, there are some signs of Botafogo's form slipping. This week, Striker Diego Costa debuted in the home draw with Defensa Y Justicia in the Copa Sudamericana. Still, he needs to improve his form to reach the level of Tiquinho. Next week, the Cariocas travel to Argentina for the second leg of the quarter-finals with a difficult task on their hands. Before that game, however, the Glorioso hosts Bahia in a match in which victory is a must, or some anxiety could begin to take hold of the players. Botafogo drew at the Morumbi against São Paulo in a low-key performance in its last fixture. Bahia remains in 16th place even though they beat RB Bragantino 4-0. The Tricolor Baiano still has the same points as Santos, who also won, but due to goal difference, is one place above the Peixe, who is in the relegation zone. The win against Red Bull gave the Baianos a good dose of confidence, and they'll be looking to pick up a point at the leader's home.

Botafogo

The Lone Star team has won all ten home games in the Brasileirão. Despite this, the players must not lose focus and underestimate Bahia. Playing with less intensity with the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-final in mind could be fatal. In the first game against the Argentinians, coach Bruno Lage fielded a secondary team, which appeared to prioritize the Brasileirão, which Botafogo hasn't won in 28 years.

Bahia

On a day when everything went perfectly for Bahia, the win against Bragantino, one of the most solid teams in the Brasileirão, may have been the turning point for Renato Paiva's team. The 4-0 result doesn't mean that the Tricolor will win at the Nilton Santos, but I think it will boost the team's confidence levels for the second half of the league season. Bahia scored 22 goals and conceded 25, an unusual goal average for a team near the relegation zone. The team has good values and can improve its ranking with more confidence in its abilities.

Expert Betting Tips

Botafogo has won every home game so far in the league. Although their performance has dropped a little, and Bahia had a great result in the last round, I'm not betting on a surprise. The Glorioso probably won't win all 19 of their home games in the league, but the fact that many first-team players were benched in the Copa Sudamericana makes me think that Botafogo will be strong in this game.