The upcoming Copa do Brasil clash between Vitoria and Botafogo promises to be an intense encounter.
Set for Wednesday at the Estadio Manoel Barradas, both teams will be eager to advance to the last 16. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the match, including predictions, team news, and form analysis.
Match Preview
Botafogo holds a slight advantage going into this second leg, having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg.
Vitoria faces an uphill battle as they attempt to overturn this deficit. Historically, Vitoria has struggled in similar situations, having lost the opening leg in their last four Copa do Brasil ties, only advancing once in 2021.
Team Form
Vitoria's Recent Performance
Vitoria is currently on a challenging streak, winless in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Their struggles are highlighted by their inability to score more than one goal per game during this period.
Additionally, they have lost five consecutive matches when conceding the first goal.
Botafogo's Recent Performance
Botafogo, on the other hand, is in impressive form.
They are unbeaten in their last three away matches and have shown resilience by winning seven consecutive third-round matches in the Copa do Brasil.
Notably, they have managed to keep clean sheets in their last five third-round fixtures.
Team News
Vitoria
Vitoria will be without several key players.
Felipe Vieira is out with an ACL strain, Everaldo is nursing a thigh injury, and Raul Caceres is sidelined with a sore heel.
Additionally, Willean Lepo and Jean Mota are expected to return only in early June due to groin injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Camutanga, who received a red card in a recent domestic game, will be eligible to play.
Botafogo
Botafogo also has a few injury concerns.
Rafael is likely to miss the match due to a knee issue, while Matheus Nascimento and Tiquinho Soares are recovering from thigh injuries.
Marcal remains out with a calf strain, and Pablo is still sidelined with an unknown injury.
Possible Lineups
Vitoria
Goalkeeper: Arcanjo
Defenders: Zeca, Camutanga, Leonardo
Midfielders: Lepo, Oliveira, Dudu, Calmon
Forwards: Osvaldo, Adriano, Goncalves
Botafogo
Goalkeeper: John
Defenders: Ponte, Halter, Barboza, Cuiabano
Midfielders: Savarino, Gregore, De Paula, Jeffinho
Forwards: Santos, Eduardo
Prediction
Given the current form and previous encounters, Botafogo is favoured to win.
They have a well-balanced team and have been consistent in maintaining leads. Vitoria’s recent poor form and injury woes further tilt the scales in Botafogo’s favour.
Our Prediction: Vitoria 0-1 Botafogo (Botafogo advances 2-0 on aggregate)
Botafogo 
Vitória 
