Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Brasileiro clash between Criciuma and Botafogo, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Newly promoted Criciuma seek to build on their second Brasileiro victory when they host table-topping Botafogo at Estadio Heriberto Hulse on Saturday.
The hosts head into the gameweek 11 clash on the back of a 2-1 triumph at Atletico Goianiense, while Fogo were held at home by Athletico Paranaense.
Match preview
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Nearly two months after defeating Vasco da Gama 4-0, Criciuma notched their second victory of the ongoing Brasileiro season when they beat Atletico Goianiense 2-1 in midweek, ending a four-game winless league run.
Tigre had failed to secure victory in six games in all competitions, losing five in that sequence before halting the losing run against Bahia in gameweek nine.
Having already claimed two road triumphs, Claudio Tencati‘s men aim to notch their first top-flight success in front of their fans since regaining promotion to forget failures against Juventude, Palmeiras, Cuiaba and Bahia.
However, Criciuma must improve the defensive bugbear that has seen them leak 10 goals in four fixtures in Santa Catarina, failing to keep any clean sheet, with the 5-2 loss to Cuiaba particularly disappointing.
Supporters will be pleased by their side securing four points from the last available six, and they hope to claim a scalp on Saturday.
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Defeating Botafogo is easier said than done, despite the away side missing the chance to record a fourth consecutive league triumph against Athletico Paranaense.
The 1-1 draw means Flamengo or Bahia could leapfrog them in the table after Thursday night’s encounter, but a tie will see Fogo hang on to their position atop the standings.
After three straight clean sheets in all competitions, Artur Jorge‘s men have conceded in back-to-back league matches against Gremio (2-1 win) and Athletico (1-1), and O Glorioso hope to avoid a third consecutive Brasileiro fixture without keeping their opponent from scoring.
Fogo have reason to be confident before Saturday, with three wins and a draw in their last four road games outdoing all but Palmeiras, who also have accrued 10 points from their recent away fixtures in the same period.
After missing the opportunity to win for a fourth consecutive league match, Jorge will hope his players bounce back with maximum points this weekend to secure the team’s third straight league victory on their travels.
Criciuma Brasileiro form:
Criciuma form (all competitions):
Botafogo Brasileiro form:
Botafogo form (all competitions):
Team News
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Wilker Angel is unavailable for Criciuma this weekend, having joined the Venezuela side for the Copa America to be held in the United States.
Gustavo should replace Alisson in goal after serving a one-match suspension last time out, while Eder should also return to the squad following his ban.
However, Felipe Vizeu (thigh) and Felipe Mateus (knee) are not expected to play any part due to their injuries.
Botafogo’s Jefferson Savarino is with the Venezuela team for the Copa America, ruling him out for several games, while Tiquinho Soares misses out this weekend because of personal reasons.
Jeffinho and Pablo are not anticipated to play owing to thigh injuries, while Rafael da Silva has a knee issue.
Criciuma possible starting lineup:
Gustavo; Jonathan, Fagundes, Figueiredo, Hermes; Newton, Barreto, Ronald; Matheusinho; Bolasie, Calke
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Suarez, Halter, Bastos, Cuiabano; Barbosa, Freitas; Eduardo, Romero, Tche; Santos
We say: Criciuma 1-2 Botafogo
While Criciuma held high-flying Bahia 2-2 in their last home match, the home side’s defensive weakness in front of their supporters allied with Botafogo’s expertise on the road should see the visiting side notch maximum points on Saturday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.