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Sao Paulo welcome Botafogo at MorumBIS in the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday, with their last three games ending in stalemates.
Sao Paulo returned from Rio de Janeiro with a goalless draw in the first leg. Coach Luis Zubeldía believes it will be anybody's game in the return leg. Sao Paulo were also criticised for being too defensive in the first leg, but that could change in the second leg.
Tricolor Paulista have won the competition thrice, with their last triumph coming in 2005. They are making a return to the Copa Libertadores after a three-year absence. Sao Paulo are fifth in the Brasileiro Serie A on 44 points, 14 points behind leaders Botafogo.
Botafogo, meanwhile, failed to make the most of their home advantage in the first leg, mainly due to sloppy finishing. They were widely tipped to win the first leg by a comfortable scoreline, but Sao Paulo held their own.
Fogo mustn't be underestimated though, as they are enjoying a purple patch in the league, sitting atop the standings with 56 points. They are unbeaten in eight matches across competitions, winning five. Botafogo, who are yet to win the title, returned to the competition this year after their last appearance in 2017.
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Sao Paulo have drawn thrice and lost twice in their last five clashes with Botafogo.
- The hosts have won twice and lost once in their last five home games with Botafogo.
- Sao Paulo have won thrice and lost twice in their last five home matches across competitions.
- Botafogo have won once and lost twice in their last five road outings.
- Sao Paulo have won once and lost twice in their last five matches, while Botafogo have won thrice and lost twice in the same period.
- Form Guide: Sao Paulo – L-D-W-D-L; Botafogo – W-D-W-W-D
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Prediction
Sao Paulo will strive to avoid the mistakes of Botafogo by making sure their home advantage count in the second leg.
Botafogo boast a squad made up of creative players and have the potential to decide the outcome of the tie. Botafogo come in as the favourites based on their superior recent form and momentum and should take a narrow win.
Prediction: Sao Paulo 1-2 Botafogo
Sao Paulo vs Botafogo Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Botafogo
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Botafogo to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Sao Paulo to score - Yes
