Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
The FIFA Club World Cup is heating up, and in the early hours of Monday, June 16, we’re in for a showdown between Botafogo and the Seattle Sounders. Kick-off is set for 4:00 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for this clash.
Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders: Match preview
Last season, Botafogo delivered outstanding football in both Brazil’s Serie A and the Copa Libertadores, winning both competitions. However, the current campaign hasn’t been as successful — the team sits eighth in the Brazilian league. Still, their spot in the Club World Cup is well deserved, and now the club will look to make its mark in a fiercely competitive group. Alongside Seattle, the group also features PSG and Atlético Madrid.
Seattle Sounders claimed the CONCACAF Champions League title in 2022. This season, they reached the final again but fell short of lifting the trophy. Despite this, the Sounders remain a stable and highly competitive club, regularly making the MLS playoffs and considered perennial title contenders. Heading into the tournament, though, the team is not in its best form — they’ve suffered two consecutive defeats, conceding at least two goals in each match.
Given the strength of this group, both teams know that this fixture could prove decisive. With PSG and Atlético up next, picking up points in those matches will be an enormous challenge.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Botafogo have won three straight matches, while Seattle have lost their last two.
- These teams have never faced each other before.
Probable line-ups
- Botafogo: John, Alex Telles, David Loyola, Vitinho, Jair Paula, Marlon Freitas, Gregore, Rodrigues, Arthur, Igor Jesus, Mastriani
- Seattle Sounders: Frei, Bell, Roldan, Tolo, Ragen, Roldan, Rusnak, Vargas, Ferreira, Kent, De la Vega
Prediction
In my opinion, Botafogo are the favorites in this match-up. The Brazilian side boasts higher-quality players and competes in one of the world’s most demanding leagues. On top of that, they arrive in better form. My pick — Botafogo to win, with odds of 2.
