Botafogo RJ vs. Palmeiras Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 August 2025

Get ready for an intriguing Serie A clash on 18 August 2025 as Botafogo RJ hosts Palmeiras at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos. This match marks the 20th round of the competition, and with both teams vying for crucial points, the stakes are high.

Palmeiras, enjoying a strong run of form, remain unbeaten in their last six league matches, boasting solid performances including a 4-0 victory against Universitario in the Libertadores. On the other hand, Botafogo RJ has been a fortress defensively, keeping four clean sheets in their last five games.

Despite their defensive solidity, Botafogo faces injury concerns, with key players like Bastos and Jordan Barrera sidelined. Palmeiras also grapples with injuries to pivotal figures like Bruno Rodrigues and Raphael Veiga.

Given Palmeiras’ recent form and their attacking duo of Flaco López and Vitor Roque thriving, the recommended bet is a Palmeiras win with a Draw No Bet option for added security. Expect a tactical battle as both teams seek to solidify their positions in the league standings.

Botafogo RJ vs Palmeiras Prediction & Betting Tip

Botafogo RJ vs Palmeiras Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Palmeiras to win, Draw No Bet	2.62

• Palmeiras are on a strong run, unbeaten in their last six league games.
• The attacking duo of Flaco López and Vitor Roque has shown great form.
• Palmeiras enjoy a solid defense, conceding on average just 0.9 goals per game.

Given Palmeiras’ current form and the effectiveness of their attacking duo, a bet on Palmeiras to win with a Draw No Bet option provides both a prudent safety net and a favourable chance of a return. This bet is further supported by their recent commanding victories and an unbeaten streak in the league.

Botafogo RJ vs Palmeiras Odds

The upcoming clash between Botafogo RJ and Palmeiras on 18 August 2025 presents interesting betting opportunities. Palmeiras, the bookmaker’s favourite, have been given slightly better odds to win, reflecting their strong recent performance and unbeaten streak in the league. Botafogo, despite their commendable defensive record, are deemed the underdogs in this matchup.

Botafogo RJ vs Palmeiras Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Botafogo RJ Win	2.80
Draw	3.01
Palmeiras Win	2.62

Given Palmeiras’ impressive form, especially their recent 4-0 win in the Libertadores, the odds reflect a balanced but slightly tilted expectation towards Palmeiras claiming victory. This presents a valuable betting option for those looking to back the visitors in a tightly contested match.

Expectations are high for a thrilling encounter, bolstered by both teams’ ambitions to solidify their positions in the league standings, making these odds even more significant.

Botafogo RJ Team Analysis

Botafogo RJ Recent Performance ()

Recently, Botafogo RJ has demonstrated strong form with a record of WLWWW in their last five matches. They secured victories against LDU de Quito, Fortaleza, and Red Bull Bragantino twice, showing their versatility in both the league and cup competitions. Their only setback came against Cruzeiro, with a 2-0 defeat.

This solid run includes an impressive 5-0 win over Fortaleza and a closely contested 1-0 triumph over LDU in the Copa Libertadores. Botafogo’s defense has been particularly noteworthy, keeping four clean sheets in their last five matches. The team has averaged 1.8 goals per game in this period, highlighting their balanced approach on both ends of the pitch.

With a well-rounded squad and under the guidance of coach Davide Ancelotti, Botafogo RJ is expected to pose a significant challenge, especially with their defensive resilience, conceding only 0.6 goals on average per match this season.

Botafogo RJ Key Players

Key players for Botafogo RJ in this crucial matchup include top scorer Igor Jesus, who has netted three goals this season, and Arthur Cabral, expected to lead the attack from the centre forward position.

Midfield dynamo Danilo will be pivotal in controlling the game alongside Marlon Freitas. The defensive unit, including Alexander Barboza and Alex Telles, will be crucial in maintaining their impressive clean sheet record.

Expect significant individual battles, such as Arthur Cabral challenging Palmeiras’ robust centre back Gustavo Gomez, a defender known for his scoring ability.

Expected lineup for Botafogo RJ:

• Goalkeeper: John
• Defenders: Vitinho, Alexander Barboza, Fernando Marcal, Alex Telles
• Midfielders: Marlon Freitas, Danilo, Artur, Jefferson Savarino, Alvaro Montoro
• Forward: Arthur Cabral

Their combined efforts will be essential as Botafogo strives to overcome Palmeiras’ strong form and secure a vital result in this Serie A encounter.

Botafogo RJ Suspensions & Injuries

Botafogo RJ faces several injury concerns ahead of their crucial tie against Palmeiras. Key players like Bastos (knee injury) and Jordan Barrera (sprained ankle) are notable absentees, with Bastos expected to be out until early October, while Barrera might return in about a week. Other sidelined players include Kaio (thigh injury, early September return), Cuiabano (sprained ankle, 1-2 weeks return), and David Ricardo (thigh injury, early September return).

These injuries will force Coach Davide Ancelotti to make significant adjustments, especially in defence where both Bastos and David Ricardo will be missed. The absence of these key players could potentially impact their defensive solidity, which has been a cornerstone of their recent successful run. Botafogo’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial in their bid to secure a positive result against a formidable Palmeiras side.

Botafogo RJ Tactics and Formation

Under the astute guidance of coach Davide Ancelotti, Botafogo RJ employs a tactical setup aimed at balancing solid defensive performance with effective attacking play.

Botafogo RJ Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Arthur Cabral
• Midfield Duo: Marlon Freitas and Danilo
• Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counter-attacking and tight defensive lines

With a defensive setup that has conceded only 0.6 goals per match this season, Botafogo’s defence, featuring players like Alexander Barboza and Alex Telles, is particularly strong. They rely on a robust midfield, with Marlon Freitas and Danilo providing both defensive cover and support in attack.

Arthur Cabral spearheads the attack, complemented by wingers Artur and Alvaro Montoro, as well as playmaker Jefferson Savarino, forming a potent offensive unit capable of breaking through Palmeiras’ defence.

Palmeiras Team Analysis

Palmeiras Recent Performance ()

Palmeiras’ recent form has been a mixed bag, with a record of LDLWW in their last five matches. Despite some setbacks, including losses to Corinthians in the cup and a draw against Vitoria, they bounced back smartly. Their recent performances include a resounding 4-0 victory over Universitario in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 and a solid 2-1 league win against Ceara.

Offensively, Palmeiras scored an average of 1.6 goals per game in their last five outings. However, defensively, they managed just one clean sheet, indicating a potential area for improvement.

The team remains unbeaten in their last six league games, a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen under coach Abel Ferreira. With key players like Vitor Roque and Flaco López in fine form, Palmeiras is set to pose a formidable challenge to Botafogo RJ.

Palmeiras Key Players

Palmeiras enters this match with a few standout players set to make an impact. The attacking duo of Flaco López, who has scored 4 goals this season, and Vitor Roque is pivotal to their offensive strategy. López and Roque’s synergy was on full display in their recent 4-0 triumph over Universitario, where they contributed directly to all four goals.

In midfield, Lucas Evangelista will play a crucial role alongside Anibal Moreno. Defensively, the presence of Gustavo Gomez, not only a solid defender but also a goal-scoring threat, will be key to neutralizing Botafogo’s forwards.

Here’s the expected lineup for Palmeiras:

• Goalkeeper: Weverton
• Defenders: Agustin Giay, Gustavo Gomez, Murilo Cerqueira, Joaquin Piquerez
• Midfielders: Anibal Moreno, Lucas Evangelista, Mauricio
• Forwards: Ramón Sosa, Vitor Roque, Facundo Torres

The battle between Palmeiras’ forwards and Botafogo’s defensive line, particularly with players like Alexander Barboza and Alex Telles, will be one to watch.

Palmeiras Suspensions & Injuries

Palmeiras faces a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Notable absentees include Bruno Rodrigues (knee surgery) and Raphael Veiga (groin injury), both critical components of their attacking setup and expected to return in about a week. Additionally, Figueiredo and Paulinho are out for the rest of the season, significantly impacting the squad’s depth and flexibility.

Bruno Fuchs is also a concern, with a thigh injury potentially sidelining him for another week. These injuries could force coach Abel Ferreira to rely on his squad’s depth and necessitate tactical adjustments to compensate for the missing players.

Their ability to adapt without these key figures will be crucial as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak in the league and solidify their standing in the Serie A.

Palmeiras Tactics and Formation

Palmeiras enters this clash utilizing a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing both defensive stability and offensive versatility.

Palmeiras Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Vitor Roque
• Midfield Trio: Anibal Moreno, Lucas Evangelista, Mauricio
• Defensive Strength: Conceding an average of just 0.9 goals per match this season
• Notable Strategy: Employing tactical flexibility with emphasis on exploiting the flanks and dynamic forward play

Coach Abel Ferreira’s side relies on a balanced approach, with Gustavo Gomez leading a robust defense alongside Murilo Cerqueira. Their midfield, driven by Lucas Evangelista’s creativity and Anibal Moreno’s defensive prowess, supports both ends of the pitch effectively. Upfront, the powerful duo of Vitor Roque and Flaco López is expected to spearhead their attacking efforts, aiming to capitalize on their synergy shown in the recent 4-0 win over Universitario.

This tactical setup, combined with their recent unbeaten streak, poises Palmeiras to challenge Botafogo’s defense effectively.

Botafogo RJ vs Palmeiras Head-to-Head Statistics

Botafogo RJ and Palmeiras have a rich history of competitive clashes, with their last five encounters providing a thrilling spectacle for fans. In these meetings, Botafogo came out on top with two wins, Palmeiras secured one win, and the teams battled to two draws.

• 2025-06-28: Palmeiras 0-0 Botafogo RJ (Extra time: 1-0, FIFA Club World Cup)
• 2025-03-30: Palmeiras 0-0 Botafogo RJ (Serie A)
• 2024-11-27: Palmeiras 1-3 Botafogo RJ (Serie A)
• 2024-08-22: Palmeiras 2-2 Botafogo RJ (Copa Libertadores Final Stage)
• 2024-08-15: Botafogo RJ 2-1 Palmeiras (Copa Libertadores Final Stage)

Botafogo’s defensive prowess shone in these encounters, complementing their offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Palmeiras showcased resilience and tactical flexibility, especially highlighted in their recent Club World Cup victory after extra time.

These head-to-head statistics add an extra layer of excitement to their upcoming clash, promising a closely contested battle at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos.

Odds accurate as of 16.08.2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.