Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction: Big game in Rio

Botafogo vs Palmeiras: Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on August 18, 2025

The two clubs that won the last two championships will meet in this round. Botafogo, the title holder, is in fifth place, while Palmeiras is in third.

Botafogo: Form and statistics

In the last round, Botafogo achieved its easiest victory of the season. The Cariocas destroyed Fortaleza 5-0 at the Arena Castelão and gained new confidence. Fortaleza defender Gustavo Mancha made a very risky tackle and saw red just six minutes into the game. The Cearenses had to play with ten men for practically the entire game. Marçal and Arthur Cabral scored for Botafogo in the first 45 minutes, deciding the game. In the second half, Marçal, again, David Ricardo, and Matheus Martins scored the remaining goals in a game that was a walk in the park for Davide Ancelotti's team. Botafogo is in fifth place with 29 points in 17 games. Leader Flamengo has 40 points from 18 games, so the champion cannot afford to lose points if it wants to remain in contention for the title. In midweek Copa Libertadores action, the Lone Star team beat LDU Quito 1-0 at home with a goal from Artur 13 seconds into the game. Next week, Botafogo travels to Ecuador for the second leg to decide the qualification for the quarterfinals.

Botafogo: Lineup

Alexander Barboza and Allan are back after being suspended. Marçal is originally a left back, but will likely continue to play in central defense as three center backs are injured.

🔖Botafogo starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

John – Vitinho, Alexander Barboza, Marçal, Alex Telles – Marlon Freitas, Allan – Matheus Martins, Correa, Montoro – Arthur Cabral

⛔️Out:  David Ricardo, Cuiabano, Kaio Pantaleão, Bastos (injured)

👤Head Coach: Davide Ancelotti

Palmeiras: Form and statistics

Like Botafogo, Palmeiras also won its last two matches, one in the league and the other for the Copa Libertadores. In the Série A, the Paulistas defeated Ceará 2-1 at home in a tricky game. The visitors opened the scoring in the 51st minute with an excellent shot from outside the area by Lourenço. However, in a short time, the Verdão turned the score around. In the 67th minute, VAR spotted a handball by a Ceará defender inside the area, and Flaco López converted the penalty. Two minutes later, Vitor Roque made it 2-1 with a quick counterattack. Abel Ferreira's team had to suffer until the end, but managed to secure the victory. Palmeiras remains in third place with 36 points but is now just one point behind Cruzeiro, second in the table. The Paulistas have not lost in six games in the Brasileirão. In midweek, Palmeiras traveled to Peru and easily beat Universitario 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. Gustavo Gómez, Flaco López (2), and Vitor Roque scored the goals.

Palmeiras: Lineup

Central defenders Murillo and Fuchs have recovered from their injuries.

🔖Palmeiras starting lineup (4-3-3)

Weverton – Giay, Gómez, Murilo, Piquerez – Moreno, Lucas Evangelista, Maurício – Sosa, Flaco López, Vitor Roque

⛔️Out: Raphael Veiga, Bruno Rodrigues, Paulinho (injured)

👤Head Coach: Abel Ferreira

Botafogo vs Palmeiras: Head-to-head statistics

Palmeiras holds the upper hand in its 109 meetings with Botafogo. The Paulistas have won 41 games while the Cariocas have won 33. On 35 occasions, the matches have ended in a draw. The two teams last met in the FIFA Club World Cup, with Palmeiras winning 1-0 to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Botafogo vs Palmeiras: Betting tips & Odds

• The BTTS-YES bet has won five times in Palmeiras' last six league matches. You can bet on both teams to score (BTTS-YES) for 2.03 at 1xBet;
• The TU 2.5 bet has won 11 times in Botafogo's last 12 games. You can bet on a match with less than three goals (TU 2.5) for 1.54 at 1xBet;
• Botafogo has scored first in six of its last seven games. You can bet that Botafogo will be the first team to score for 2.20 at Bet365.

Botafogo vs Palmeiras match prediction 18 August 2025

It will probably be a very tight game, with a strong tactical component, as both teams have European coaches. There are no favorites in this match, where anything can happen. Botafogo is having a disappointing season, although it is also true that the Lone Star team has undergone significant changes since last season. Botafogo is improving under Ancelotti, while Palmeiras is a more established side. On the one hand, Cariocas are playing at home, but on the other, Palmeiras is highly competitive, so I'm betting on a draw.

Our match prediction: Draw for 3.08 at 1xBet.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: BTTS - Yes for 2.00 at Betway.

Our final tip for this match: Correct Score 1-1 for 5.50 at Bet365.