Sao Paulo v Botafogo

Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Preview

Sao Paulo and Botafogo meet in one of the most attractive fixtures in the Brazilian Serie A midweek action in what is a top five clash at the MorumBIS; fifth placed Sao Paulo head into this game on the back of gaining a point in a 0-0 draw away from home at Juventude, while the Serie A leaders, Botafogo, captured a fifth league win on the trot with a 1-0 home win against Internacional last time out, extending their lead at the top of the table to three points.

Sao Paulo now return to the more familiar surroundings of their MorumBIS ground for this upcoming encounter and the hosts will be keen to make the most of their recent turnaround in form and results as Luis Zubeldia's side have suffered just one defeat in their last seven games overall in Serie A.

Within these last seven games, Sao Paulo have picked up five wins which consists of victories gained over Criciuma, Bahia, Athletico PR, Bragantino and Gremio and perhaps even more importantly, four of these five wins have been registered on home soil as well.

The bigger picture further underlines Sao Paulo's success at home as the hosts have lost just twice in their last 16 home games, picking up no fewer than 12 wins in the process.

League leaders Botafogo will be going in search of a sixth win on the trot in the Brazilian top flight when they make their way to Sao Paulo for this top five clash, and the visitors will also be keen to protect their three-point lead at the top of the table over second placed Palmeiras in the process.

Recent wins against Cuiaba, Atletico Mineiro, Vitoria, Palmeiras and Internacional will give Artur Jorge's side plenty of confidence that they can keep their winning momentum going at MorumBIS, especially as Botafogo have been handed just two defeats in their previous 17 games overall in the domestic top flight.

Within these previous 17 games, Botafogo have captured a total of 12 wins in the process, making them a dangerous proposition for Sao Paulo , but only five of these 12 wins were actually achieved away from home.

The bigger picture shows Botafogo have managed to collect just five wins in their last 14 outings on the road in the Brazilian top flight which also includes slipping to losses on their travels at Vasco da Gama, Internacional, Cruzeiro and Criciuma respectively.

Sao Paulo v Botafogo Verdict

This upcoming fixture looks like being another keenly fought tussle between two sides who are vying for a top four finish in the Serie A table and the accompanying spot in next season's Copa Libertadores, but with home advantage behind them here, Sao Paulo could nick a narrow win.

Therefore, our main bet will be Sao Paulo win @ 2.20

Other side bets worth considering:

Sao Paulo win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.00

Correct Score: Sao Paulo 1-0 @ 6.50