As the Copa Libertadores Group D stage nears its conclusion, the clash between Atletico Junior and Botafogo is set to be a thrilling encounter.
Both teams have already secured their spots in the knockout rounds, but this match will determine who tops the group. Here's a comprehensive preview of the game, including predictions, team news, and form analysis.
Match Preview
Atletico Junior and Botafogo are neck-and-neck in Group D, both boasting nine points.
Junior leads with a superior goal difference, meaning a draw will be enough for them to finish first.
However, Botafogo, riding high on a recent winning streak, will be aiming for victory to claim the top spot.
Atletico Junior's Form
Junior remains unbeaten in the Copa Libertadores this season, one of only five teams to do so.
They have won two of their five matches, including a crucial 1-0 victory over LDU Quito. Despite drawing their other three games, their consistent performances have kept them at the top of the group.
Domestically, Junior's form has been mixed, with one win, one draw, and one loss in their last three games.
Their latest match saw them triumph 1-0 over Atletico Bucaramanga, giving them a boost ahead of this crucial fixture.
Botafogo's Form
Botafogo, on the other hand, has seen a remarkable turnaround since their early group-stage losses.
They have won their last three Copa Libertadores matches, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Universitario.
This resurgence has not come at the expense of their domestic form, where they have secured eight wins in their last ten matches across all competitions.
In their previous encounter with Junior, Botafogo suffered a 3-1 defeat at home. However, the team has since improved under new management and will be keen to avenge that loss.
Team News
Atletico Junior
Junior will be without their third-choice goalkeeper Sebastian Araujo due to a herniated disc.
However, they have no new injury concerns. Key players Marco Perez and Jose Enamorado return from suspension and are expected to feature prominently alongside veteran striker Carlos Bacca.
Botafogo
Botafogo faces several injury issues, with Lyon loanee Jeffinho out with a thigh injury, joining Rafael, Fernando Marcal, Pablo, Tiquinho Soares, and Matheus Nascimento on the sidelines.
Despite these absences, the team remains strong, with Jefferson Savarino and Luiz Henrique likely to support top scorer Junior Santos.
Predicted Lineups
Atletico Junior
Goalkeeper: Mele
Defenders: Pacheco, Olivera, Pena, Fuentes
Midfielders: Enamorado, Moreno, Cantillo, Chara
Forwards: Bacca, Perez
Botafogo
Goalkeeper: Victor
Defenders: Ponte, Halter, Bastos, Hugo
Midfielders: Freitas, Barbosa
Attacking Midfielders: Henrique, Tche Tche, Savarino
Forward: Santos
Prediction
Given their current form and the stakes, this match is expected to be tightly contested.
Botafogo's improved performances under their new coach, combined with the scoring prowess of Junior Santos, give them a slight edge.
Botafogo 
Junior 
