Botafogo vs Fortaleza Prediction: Expect an exciting match

Botafogo vs Fortaleza: Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on December 07, 2025

Botafogo and Fortaleza will meet in one of the most anticipated games of the final round. Botafogo needs a win to qualify for the Copa Libertadores, while Fortaleza is desperately trying to escape relegation.

Botafogo: Form and statistics

Botafogo drew 2-2 with Cruzeiro away and dropped to seventh place in the table with 60 points. Ancelotti's team was losing 2-0 but managed to equalize in the last minute. Only the top five teams secure a place in the Copa Libertadores group stage. At the moment, Botafogo occupies a place that only gives access to the qualifying round of the competition. Fluminense is in fifth with 61 points, and Bahia is in sixth with 60, but these teams will meet in the final round. To reach fifth place, Botafogo needs to beat Fortaleza and hope that its two competitors draw. There is still a possibility that sixth place will grant direct access to the Copa Libertadores. If Cruzeiro or Fluminense wins the Copa do Brasil, it will open up a spot that could benefit Botafogo. However, if Fluminense wins, sixth place will only grant a ticket to the South American competition if the Tricolor finishes in fifth place. In any case, Botafogo's players must focus on victory against Fortaleza and nothing else.

Botafogo: Lineup

Jeffinho, Mateo Ponte, and Santi Rodríguez are back after serving their suspensions.

🔖Botafogo starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Raul – Vitinho, Newton, Marçal, Alex Telles – Marlon Freitas, Allan – Artur, Jordan Barrera, Montoro – Arthur Cabral

⛔️Out: Léo Linck, Savarino, Barboza, Correa, Danilo, Kaio, Neto, Matheus Martins, Bastos (injured), David Ricardo (suspended) 

👤Head Coach: Davide Ancelotti

Fortaleza: Form and statistics

Fortaleza beat Corinthians 2-1 at home and climbed out of the relegation zone after 27 rounds. The Cearenses were practically doomed and seemed to have given up, but an insane late fightback means they now hold their fate in their own hands going into the final day. Still, the situation remains delicate, as Fortaleza is in 16th place, just one point ahead of Vitória and two ahead of Internacional, two teams that are immediately below it in the Z4. If the Lion of Pici draws or loses to Botafogo, it will have to wait for the results of Vitória and Inter. Fortaleza has the same 43 points as rival Ceará, which is in 15th place and will play Palmeiras. Anything can happen in Round 38, but Fortaleza is undoubtedly the most confident team among those in the relegation battle. Martín Palermo's men have won four games in a row.

Fortaleza: Lineup

Herrera is suspended after receiving his third yellow card.

🔖Fortaleza starting lineup (4-3-3)

Brenno – Mancuso, Brítez, Gastón Ávila, Diogo Barbosa – Pierre, Lucas Sasha, Matheus Pereira – Pochettino, Breno Lopes, Bareiro

⛔️Out: João Ricardo, Bruno Pacheco, Lucca Prior, Marinho, Rodrigo, Martínez (injured), Herrera (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Martín Palermo

Botafogo vs Fortaleza: Head-to-head statistics

Botafogo holds a clear advantage in the 23 meetings with Fortaleza. The Cariocas won 15 games, while the Cearenses won 3. The remaining five matches ended in draws. This season, Botafogo trashed Fortaleza 5-0 at the Arena Castelão.

Botafogo vs Fortaleza: Betting tips & Odds

• The BTTS-YES bet has won four times in Botafogo’s last four matches. You can bet on both teams to score (BTTS-YES) for 1.68 at Betway;
• The TO 2.5 bet has won five times in Botafogo’s past six games. You can bet on a match with at least three goals (TO 2.5) for 1.86 at 1xBet;
• Fortaleza has scored first in eight of its previous nine games. You can bet that Fortaleza will be the first team to score for 2.30 at Bet365.

Botafogo vs Fortaleza match prediction 07 December 2025

It should be an exciting match between two teams that need points. Botafogo must win to finish fifth and qualify for the Copa Libertadores group stage. On the other hand, Fortaleza is only one point above the relegation zone, and only a win will guarantee its survival. A draw may even be enough for the Cearenses, as everything depends on what their opponents will do. Fortaleza has not lost in nine matches and is confident. I'm going to bet on a draw.

Our match prediction: Draw for 3.60 at 1xBet.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: BTTS - Yes for 1.68 Betway.

Our final tip for this match: Correct Score 1-1 for 7.00 at Bet365.