In a bid to resurge in the Brasileiro standings, Fortaleza and Botafogo clash at Estadio Castelao, with both teams eager to secure a crucial win and improve their league positions.
Match Preview:
Fortaleza faces a challenging period, marked by an eight-game winless streak across all competitions.
In their last outing, they suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Cruzeiro, extending their struggles.
Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s side has slipped to 12th in the league, aiming to secure at least a Copa Sudamericana berth. Their recent form has seen a decline in their initial ambitions for a top-four finish.
Botafogo, on the other hand, is seeking a return to winning ways after a string of six winless matches across various competitions.
Their most recent game against Bragantino ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, halting a sequence of four successive losses.
Despite the struggles, Botafogo remains in contention for the Brasileiro title, trailing Palmeiras by two points with five games left.
Recent Form:
Fortaleza:
- Last six Brasileiro matches: L L L D L L
- Last six matches in all competitions: L L L D L L
Botafogo:
- Last six Brasileiro matches: D L L L L D
- Last six matches in all competitions: D L L L L D
Team News:
Fortaleza will miss Hercules, Tobias Figueiredo, and Vinicius Zanocelo due to injuries. Yago Pikachu and Juan Martin Lucero, key figures in the team’s attack, are expected to lead the frontline.
Captain Tinga may anchor the defense alongside Emanuel Britez, Titi, and Bruno Pacheco.
Botafogo faces absences, with Patrick de Paula and Rafael da Silva sidelined due to knee injuries. Tiquinho, their top scorer with 28 goals, sustained an ankle problem but is likely to feature.
Adryelson, Victor Cuesta, Tche Tche, and Marlon Freitas are set to maintain their positions in the starting lineup.
Possible Lineups:
Fortaleza:(4-2-3-1)
Ricardo;
Tinga, Britez, Titi, Pacheco;
Welison, Alexandre;
Pikachu, Pochettino, Guilherme;
Lucero
Botafogo:(4-2-3-1)
Perri;
Di Placido, Adryelson, Cuesta, Marcal;
Tche Tche, Freitas;
Santos, Eduardo, Sa;
Tiquinho
Prediction: Fortaleza 1-2 Botafogo
Both teams are desperate for a win to revive their campaigns, but Botafogo’s recent dominance in their clashes could give them the edge.
With Botafogo’s attacking prowess, they might secure a narrow victory and potentially ascend to the top of the Brasileiro standings.