Last Updated on December 1, 2023 1:54 pm by Erwin Noguera
The 37th matchday out of 38 in the Brazil Série A is coming our way as we speak, which means that we are on the final stretch before we know who is the champion.
The fight for the top is intense, as Palmeiras has taken a 3-point lead over Botafogo, Atletico Mineiro, and Flamengo. If any of these three teams lose their next match and Palmeiras lands points, their chances to get to the top will be banished, which makes every game pack an extra deal of excitement.
This Botafogo vs. Cruzeiro has a lot on the line, so we are eager to watch it unfold and are going to break down what is coming our way this weekend in the Brasileirão
When:
Sunday, December 3rd at 4:30 p.m. ET in the Olympic Stadium
Moneyline odds:
Botafogo -101
Cruzeiro +290
Draw Offs:
+230
Where Can I Watch?
ViX, Premiere, and Paramount+
Why Bet on Botafogo?
Right now, we look at the former first place, Botafogo, who had passed from being a force to be reckoned, to a team that has not had a win in their last nine matches.
After spending the vast majority of the season in a title race but then a large chunk pretty much in crisis, John Textor-owned Botafogo continued their underwhelming form with a 1-1 draw away to already relegated Coritiba during the week, making it four successive draws and a no wins in nine.
There’s not much more to say about ‘O Fogo’s’ Cinderella history and their awful crash to earth. If we have to point something out, it’s the horrible second half of the season the defense has had. From being the best back-line in the league, they started receiving a worrying amount of goals almost every game. We cannot blame it entirely on the players, as it’s clear that the woeful DT situation has a fair share of responsibility.
Do they still have the chance to take the league title? Surprisingly, yes. Do they deserve it? No. Whatever the case, they will go to the Copa Libertadores next year. However, they should put their things together, as carrying this torrid form to next season is a ticket to relegation, which would be a more than tragic end to the Super-Botafogo tale.
Why Bet on Cruzeiro?
Cruzeiro is currently the 14th-placed team on the scoreboard and has both positive and negative outcomes nearby from any side. They have been lurking in the same positions for almost the entire season but, surprisingly, just spent a couple of weeks in the relegation zone. At this point, we doubt they’ll go back there.
The Minas de Gerais side sits firmly in the lower-middle table and is finishing the season with a bit of a flourish after a four-match unbeaten run of form. So, even if they are the underdog, they are a combative team and are coming to show it on the last stretch of the season.
A sole point in this match will, more than likely, save them from relegation, although they can go to the Copa Sudamericana, so they should go for the win.
Betting Analysis: Botafogo vs. Cruzeiro
The excellent forcefulness that Botafogo has had so far this season can make a difference if they rely on their offensive scheme from the beginning. Let us remember that they have one of the players with the greatest defining ability in their forward line, Tiquinho Soares. If he can receive balls inside the area, the locals will have everything in their favor to take the lead from the first half.
They, however, have let down the fans for the last nine matches, and Cruzeiro has been building up near the end of this season.
We have almost two months predicting Botafogo to win, just to be let down over and over again. We’ll just go with another draw.
If you place $100 on a draw, you could get $230 for a total payout of $330.
Botafogo vs. Cruzeiro Betting Pick: Draw
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