Fortaleza vs Botafogo Prediction: Expect a tight match

Fortaleza vs Botafogo: Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on August 10, 2025

Fortaleza and Botafogo will meet at the Arena Castelão in a game where both teams need to win. Fortaleza is in the relegation zone, while Botafogo is in seventh place, far from the leading group.

Fortaleza: Form and statistics

In the last round against Corinthians, the Lion of Pici came very close to securing its first away win. At the Neo Química Arena, Fortaleza started well and opened the scoring through Breno Lopes in the 6th minute. The striker broke free behind the defense and fired a left-footed shot across goal. At halftime, Dorival Júnior made four substitutions, bringing on Depay, Yuri Alberto, Garro, and Matheuzinho. The Corinthians coach was resting his key players ahead of the cup game against Palmeiras, but was forced to bring them on to try to turn the result around. Fortaleza defended well, but Corinthians' pressure eventually paid off with an equalizer near the end. Carrillo, who had also come on in the second half, scored in the 94th minute, and Fortaleza let the victory slip away. Still, Renato Paiva must be satisfied with his players. Fortaleza is in 18th place with 15 points and one game in hand. The Cearenses will face Vélez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores next week, but for now, they have to focus on the game against Botafogo. The situation in the league is concerning, and prioritizing the South American competition is risky.

Fortaleza: Lineup

Zé Welison is suspended after receiving his third yellow card.

🔖Fortaleza starting lineup (4-3-3)

Vinicius Silvestre – Mancuso, Kuscevic, Gastón Ávila, Diogo Barbosa – Lucas Sasha, Matheus Pereira, Lucca Prior – Marinho, Deyverson, Breno Lopes

⛔️Out: João Ricardo, Brenno, Moisés, Brítez, Pochettino (injured), Zé Welison (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Renato Paiva

Botafogo: Form and statistics

The Glorious lost 2-0 at home to Cruzeiro, and it became clear that, at the moment, the Mineiros are better. Botafogo lost almost all of its best players, and this season seems to be one of rebuilding. After five games with Davide Ancelotti at the helm, four in the league and one in the cup, the first defeat came. While the Cariocas have been defending better since the Italian coach arrived, it is also true that they are not scoring many goals. Against Cruzeiro, only two of Botafogo's 11 shots were on target. The Lone Star team has 26 points, 11 less than Flamengo and Cruzeiro, the two teams leading the league. Botafogo has played fewer games than its opponents, but its performance in the last round does not suggest that it is possible to re-enter the title race. However, the second half of the Brasileirão is still to be played, so it may be too early to rule out the trophy holder's chances. In midweek, Botafogo beat Bragantino 1-0 away and confirmed qualification for the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. Next week, the Cariocas will face LDU Quito in the Copa Libertadores, so Ancelotti may want to manage the effort of some players against Fortaleza.

Botafogo: Lineup

Davide Ancelotti will have to make some changes in defense for this game. John's transfer to West Ham has been canceled, but the goalkeeper is unlikely to play. The regular center backs are unavailable, and defensive midfielder Marlon Freitas will also miss the game due to a head injury that sent him to the hospital.

🔖Botafogo starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Léo Linck – Vitinho, David Ricardo, Marçal Alex Telles – Newton, Danilo – Artur, Savarino, Montoro – Arthur Cabral

⛔️Out: Marlon Freitas, Cuiabano, Kaio Pantaleão, Jeffinho, Bastos (injured), Alexander Barboza, Allan (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Davide Ancelotti

Fortaleza vs Botafogo: Head-to-head statistics

The two clubs have met 22 times, with the Cariocas holding the advantage. Botafogo won 14 games while Fortaleza won 3. On five occasions, the matches have ended in a draw.

Fortaleza vs Botafogo: Betting tips & Odds

• Fortaleza scored first in three of its last four matches. You can bet that Fortaleza will be the first team to score for 1.95 at Bet365;
• Botafogo has lost only once in its last eight matches. You can bet on Botafogo not losing (X2) for 1.50 at Betway;
• The TU 2.5 bet has won 10 times in Botafogo's last 10 games. You can bet on a match with less than three goals (TU 2.5) for 1.64 at 1xBet.

Fortaleza vs Botafogo match prediction 10 August 2025

It won't be an easy game for Botafogo. Fortaleza is improving, and Davide Ancelotti will have to change almost the entire defensive sector. Besides, the Cearenses had more time to prepare for this match, while Botafogo played in midweek. Renato Paiva will want to win this game more than anyone else after being unexpectedly fired from Botafogo. I'm going to bet on a Double Chance for Fortaleza with a maximum of three goals scored.

Our match prediction: 1X & TU 3.5 for 1.77 at Betway.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: BTTS - Yes for 1.87 at 1xBet.

Our final betting tip on the match: Correct Score 1-1 for 5.50 at Bet365.