Palmeiras vs Botafogo prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 28 June 2025
On Friday, June 28, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia will host a Brazilian derby in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Palmeiras and Botafogo will face off in a high-stakes encounter. Here’s a value bet suggestion for this clash with an enticing set of odds.
Match preview
Abel Ferreira’s side made it through the group stage with confidence, showcasing pragmatic football and ironclad defensive discipline. The Brazilians advanced unbeaten, conceding just two goals in three matches—and those only came in a dramatic draw against Inter Miami. Palmeiras are on a streak of avoiding defeat in regular time at the Club World Cup, but their attacking prowess still raises questions when up against top-tier opponents.
The team relies on a well-organized structure and composed, yet effective, finishing. However, the level of their group opponents doesn’t allow for a definitive assessment of their form—neither Porto nor Al Ahly managed to truly challenge them. The main strengths of the Brazilian club are team cohesion, international tournament experience, and an ability to grind out results even in tough situations.
Botafogo have already proven they can topple favorites. A win over Seattle, a sensational 1-0 against PSG, and a respectable defeat to Atlético show Renato Paiva’s squad have advanced not just on merit, but thanks to grit and tactical intelligence. Unlike Palmeiras, Botafogo had to battle opposition of a completely different caliber, and the team demonstrated impressive resilience.
Despite conceding in their last match, Botafogo play a flexible brand of football—capable of pressing from the start or sitting deep and countering. This is especially evident in the first half, where they regularly find the net. The main threat for opponents is Botafogo’s confidence, even when facing giants. This is not a surprise package, but a mature squad with a fighting spirit.
Probable lineups
- Palmeiras: Weverton – Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo – Raphael Veiga, Richard Ríos, Lucas Evangelista, Joaquín Piquerez – Estevão, José López, Facundo Torres.
- Botafogo: John Victor – Alex Telles, Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Alexander Barbosa – Allan Loureiro, Marlon Freitas, Leo Arthur – Nassim Chadli, Igor Jesus, Jefferson Savarino.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Botafogo are unbeaten against Palmeiras in official matches for five straight meetings (three wins, two draws).
- Palmeiras have not lost in regular time in their last six Club World Cup games.
- Botafogo have scored in the first half in five of their last six international matches.
Prediction
Despite being bookmakers’ favorites, Palmeiras enter this match with a less-than-convincing attack and after a relatively easy group stage. Meanwhile, Botafogo have already beaten PSG and knocked Atlético Madrid out of the tournament. The history between these sides also favors the black-and-whites. This is a clash with even chances, but with the psychological edge on Botafogo’s side. Our pick for the match: Botafogo to avoid defeat at odds of 1.62.
