Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker:
In what could prove to be a cagey affair from the Santa Cruz in the early hours of Thursday, Botafogo will host local rivals Guarani.
Botafogo SP
Starting with the hosts, while Botafogo might have opened September with a much-welcomed boost, the Panthers have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Opening the midweek fixtures sat in the drop zone, it is no secret that Paulo Gomes’ camp have a real must-win showdown on their hands here. However, last seen putting in another toothless display as they fell to a 1-0 loss away at Ponte Preta, the Portuguese tactical finds plenty of pressure on his shoulders at the Santa Cruz. Without a win from any of their previous five Serie B appearances, Botafogo have drastically failed to find any kind of fluidity. In fact, Gomes’ side have failed to register back-to-back wins since the end of June.
Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Botafogo will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Jonas Toro, Luquinha, Leandro Maciel, Matheus Barbosa, Matheus Costa and William Gabriel in midweek. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance since the middle of June, ex-Orlando City striker Robinho also remains on the sidelines.
However, returning from a knock last month, former Santos start Bruno Marques could get some more minutes under his belt. Arriving from Spanish outfit Murcia over the summer, Ghana international Sabit Abdulai will start in the middle of the park.
Guarani
As for the visitors, although Guarani might have opened up the 2024 campaign dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-four charge, the Greens have broken a string of unwanted records this season. Sat rock-bottom of the Serie B standings and limping their way to what will be a catastrophic relegation to Brazil’s third-tier, Pintado’s men already find themselves sat eight points adrift of safety. Despite snatching a 1-0 victory at home against Mirassol on September 18th, it appears that was nothing more than a minor boost for Thursday’s gusts. Slumping to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Ituano last weekend, Guarani have continued to gain a reputation for their glaring issues on the road. Including another 1-0 defeat against Operario last month, Pintado’s side have lost each of their previous four away fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-1.
Team News
Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Guarani will travel to the Santa Cruz without the duo of Marlon Douglas and former Atletico GO starlet Airton in the early hours of Thursday. Making a cameo appearance off the bench last weekend, Reinaldo could be handed a rare opportunity here.
While Caio Dantas might have failed to find the net in any of his previous eight Serie B appearances, the 31-year-old should keep his spot leading Pintado’s attack. Former Sao Paulo star Douglas Bacelar will start at the heart of Guarani’s defence.
Key Factors to Consider
