Solid Botafogo set to sail past struggling Admiral

Brazilian Serie A
1am Tuesday night

Botafogo's Copa Sudamericana campaign ended at the last-16 stage on Thursday as they lost on penalties to Bahia but they can bounce back with a victory over Vasco da Gama in Rio’s Black & White derby.

Both teams are fighting for survival in Brazilian Serie A with Vasco in particular peril following a run of just one win in eight matches.

The visitors are in the relegation zone with 11 games remaining and showing few signs of mounting a successful escape attempt as the season nears a conclusion.

Vasco, however, can take some comfort from the condensed table as a run of victories would quickly see them climb towards safety.

The five teams directly above the Admiral in standings are no more than three points ahead, including 12th-placed Botafogo, so this fixture could prove significant in deciding Brazil’s relegation battle.

The hosts met with defeat in the Sudamericana but they won the home leg 2-1 last week to force the shootout and tend to be formidable at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos, where they have lost just once in the league this season.

Ze Ricardo’s team have also kept six clean sheets in their last ten home matches and that could spell trouble for Vasco, who have been dreadful on the road.

The Admiral are yet to win in 13 attempts away from home and have found it difficult to find the net, scoring just eight goals and never more than one in a game.

Botafogo, who beat Vasco 2-1 at Estadio San Januario in June, look a solid bet at odds-against.

Recommendation
Botafogo
1pt 5-4 Betway

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