Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Brazilian Série A match.
Sport Recife
Form has continued to deteriorate for Sport Recife, who were eliminated from the Copa do Nordeste by Ceará (0:1 on penalties) and then fell 0:2 to Juventude in the Brazilian Série A. With only three points accumulated, they now sit ten points adrift of the safety zone in 16th place. Their position as relegation favourites is increasingly uncontested. The team holds the league's worst goal difference at -15, and with four regular starters sidelined through injury, there is little expectation of an upset against the title holders.
Botafogo
Botafogo will be without Bastos Quissanga, Matheus Martins, and Jeffinho Santos for the next few weeks, and the coaching staff has adjusted the starting lineup accordingly. Since the arrival of Davide Ancelotti, they have recorded a 2:0 victory over Vasco da Gama and a goalless draw against Vitória. Botafogo remain five points off the top three. Their campaign has been built on a strong defensive foundation, with only seven goals conceded – the second-best defensive record in the league.
Sport Recife vs Botafogo Prediction
Since late March, Sport Recife have lost six of their last eight home matches. Botafogo are well positioned to capitalise against the bottom-ranked side.
