Vitoria take on the visitors Botafogo in the round 16 match of Brazilian Serie A. The match will be played on Friday, July 12th at Barradao (Salvador).
Last season’s Serie B winner Vitória Bahia is currently struggling in Brazil’s top league. Only three points separate the team from the relegation zone, with far more losses than wins. The "Lions of Barra" have lost eight out of 15 championship matches. Even at their home stadium, Barradão, Vitória loses more often than they win. At home, they have already lost to Palmeiras (0-1), Atlético-GO (0-1), Atlético Paranaense (1-2), and São Paulo (1-3). In the upcoming match, key left-back Lucas Esteves (13 matches, 1 goal + 1 assist) will be out due to yellow card accumulation. Additionally, defenders Bruno Uvini and Camutanga, along with central defensive midfielder Dudu, are still sidelined due to injuries.
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Botafogo led the championship for most of last season but ran out of steam at the end, ultimately finishing without any medals. They have worked on their mistakes, and I believe the "Victorious" will compete for the top spots this season. Currently, the team is in second place in the standings, just one point behind Flamengo. Botafogo's players are in excellent form, having suffered only one defeat in the last ten league rounds and earning 10 out of 12 possible points in the last four rounds: victories over Bragantino (2-1), Cuiabá (2-1), and Atlético Mineiro (3-0), plus a draw in the derby with Vasco da Gama (1-1).
Due to Vitória Bahia playing at home, bookmakers see the opponents' chances of success as roughly equal. I completely disagree with this assessment; for me, the guests are the favorites. This season, they are playing more cohesively and disciplined football, have twice as many points as their opponent, have five fewer defeats, and five more victories than the "Lions of Barra." In my opinion, betting on the guests from Rio with a (0) handicap is a very good option, which at worst will result in a refund. Vitória has not been able to beat this opponent in six consecutive head-to-head meetings. Botafogo celebrated victory in four of them, including the last two matches held in 2024: 1-0 at home and 2-1 away. My prediction is a (0) handicap on the guests.
Prediction for the match: Botafogo to win with 0.0 handicap.
