Botafogo vs Santos: Brazilian Serie A returns. Prediction for July 17, 2026
In the early hours of Friday, July 17, Botafogo will host Santos in a Brazilian Serie A clash. Kick-off is scheduled for 00:30 CET, and here is my betting prediction for the match.
Botafogo vs Santos: Match facts and head-to-head
- Botafogo have lost just one of their last five matches.
- Botafogo have scored in each of their last five games.
- Botafogo have conceded in each of their previous three matches.
- Santos won their final three matches before the break.
- Santos are on a five-match scoring streak in the Brazilian Serie A.
- Botafogo boast the best attack in Serie A with 31 goals scored.
- Santos have failed to score in just 8% of their league matches this season.
- The most recent meeting between Botafogo and Santos ended in a 2-2 draw.
Botafogo vs Santos: Match preview
Botafogo finished sixth in last season's Brazilian Serie A, but things have not gone according to plan this year. The club currently sit 12th in the standings with 22 points from 17 matches. They are two points behind 11th place and seven adrift of the Copa Libertadores qualification zone. In their last five league matches, Botafogo have lost twice, drawn twice, and won once. However, they have impressed in the Copa Sudamericana, advancing to the knockout stage as group winners. Their focus now turns to climbing the Serie A table.
Santos head into the restart on the back of three consecutive victories, although one of those came in a friendly, one in Serie A, and one in the Copa Sudamericana. Last season, the club qualified for the continental competition and reached the knockout stage after finishing second in their group. Domestically, Santos are 15th in the standings with 21 points from 18 matches. They trail 11th place by three points and sit three points above the relegation zone, meaning there is still plenty to play for this season. However, they will be without their star player Neymar, who is still recovering after the FIFA World Cup.
Probable line-ups
- Botafogo: Raul; Vitinho, Ferraresi, Gabriel Justino, Alex Telles; Medina, Huguinho; Barrera, Villalba, M. Martins; A. Cabral
- Santos: Brazão; G. Menino, L. Verissimo, L. Peres, Escobar; W. Arão, G. Henrique, Rollheiser; Miguelito, Thaciano, Barreal
Prediction
I expect an intriguing and entertaining contest. Neither side has been particularly consistent this season, which could make for an open and competitive encounter. My recommended bet is Both Teams to Score.
