Botafogo and Santos face each other this Thursday, at 20:00 (Brasília time), at Nilton Santos, for the 37th round of the Brazilian Championship.
For Botafogo, the fight is to keep alive the dream of playing in the next Copa Libertadores. The alvinegros are two points away from the classification zone, since they have 50, and have a chance to finish the round within the G-8 in case of victory at home. On the other hand, a defeat can end the fight for the spot.
The home team has a doubt in midfield. Lucas Fernandes would be the starter in ideal conditions, but, having returned from injury, the midfielder did not start the last two rounds. Without him, Luís Castro can opt again for Patrick de Paula or for the return of the scheme with four attackers, promoting Luis Henrique.
The bad news starts with the absence of Gatito, who is out of the two games left of the season due to a left shoulder injury. In addition to him, there are also suspensions of left-back Marçal and striker Victor Sá. Both accumulated three yellow cards in the last round, against Atlético-MG.
In the last five games played officially this season, two wins, one draw and two defeats have been recorded. In this period, they won Atlético-MG and Red Bull Bragantino, drew with Fluminense, in addition to losing to Internacional and also to Cuiabá.
Acting as home team, the Botafogo team has recorded a terrible performance so far, adding only five wins, four draws and nine defeats in the 18 games played. There were 15 goals scored and 19 conceded.
With 47 points won, Santos still dreams of a spot for next year’s Copa Libertadores. The chances of classification are minimal and, for that to happen, coach Orlando Ribeiro’s team needs a victory over Botafogo, away from home, and also rooting for defeats by Fortaleza, América-MG and Atlético-MG in this round.
Orlando Ribeiro should promote five changes in relation to the team that tied with Avaí, 1-1, in the last round. The main one is the return of defender Maicon after eight rounds delivered to the medical department. The are quoted to start the match against Botafogo as starters.
In its five previous matches, two victories, one draw and two defeats were recorded, winning Atlético-GO and Red Bull Bragantino, drawing with Avaí, in addition to having lost to Flamengo and also to Corinthians.
As a visitor, Santos recorded a campaign with four wins, six draws and eight defeats in the 18 games they played in this condition for the Brasileirão, adding 16 goals scored and 19 conceded.
Both teams score – Yes
Anyway, it is believed that both clubs will hit the nets. As it is a highly contested game, there will be clear chances for both clubs.
