Botafogo vs Cruzeiro prediction, odds & betting tips 28/07/2024

All eyes will be on Estádio Nilton Santos as two of the Serie A’s top 5 teams go head-to-head on Sunday. View our free Botafogo vs Cruzeiro predictions below.

Botafogo vs Cruzeiro predictions: One team to blank

Key stats

• At least one team blanked in five of the last seven encounters between these sides.
• Cruzeiro are unbeaten in their last 12 skirmishes with Botafogo.
• Botafogo kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, while Cruzeiro did not concede in three of their last five games.
• The spoils were shared in six of the last eight meetings between Botafogo and Cruzeiro.

Correct score prediction: Botafogo 0-0 Cruzeiro

Four of the last five clashes between these teams ended in stalemates, and three of their last four encounters were goalless.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Botafogo are bookies’ favourites

• Botafogo: 5/6 (1.83) – 54.5%
• Draw: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
• Cruzeiro: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%

*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change

Botafogo are leading the standings ahead of this clash. Artur Jorge's troops are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run, with six wins and two draws.

With that in mind, Botafogo are the expected winners at 5/6 (1.83). Teams with these odds generally have a 54.5% probability of winning.

Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Botafogo vs Cruzeiro predictions.

Additionally, three of Botafogo's last four matches, and three of Cruzeiro's last four games featured less than three goals. For this reason, under 2.5 total goals has an appealing look at 3/5 (1.60). That one has a 62.5% chance of landing.

Most recent H2Hs: Cruzeiro's dominance to continue?

Although Cruzeiro are the underdogs in this clash, they have not lost to Botafogo in almost eight years. In the last 12 skirmishes between these outfits, Cruzeiro have four wins and eight draws.

Team news and form guide

Botafogo: Looking to maintain their top spot

Gatito Fernandez and Thiago Almada will not be available for selection, as both players are representing their respective countries at the Olympic Games. There are a couple of injured players for the hosts, including Junior Santos, Carlos Eduardo and Jeffinho.

Predicted lineup: Victor (GK), Cuiabano, Barboza, Bastos, Suarez, Gregore, Freitas, Tche, Savarino, Henrique & Soares.

Cruzeiro: Hoping to complete the sweep

On the other hand, Gabriel Veron and Rafael Silva are the only absentees for Cruzeiro.

Predicted lineup: Cassio (GK), William, Ivaldo, Marcelo, Kaiki, Silva, Romero, Henrique, Jorge, Pereira & Diaz.

Player to watch: William

Although we are predicting a low-scoring game, it is worth mentioning that the reverse fixture of this clash was a five-goal thriller. Interestingly, William set up Cruzeiro's stoppage-time winner in that game.

The 29-year-old has six direct goal involvements (3 goals, 3 assists) in his last nine matches, which is an impressive return for a defender. It will be interesting to see how he fares against the Serie A's best team this weekend.

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