Botafogo – Internacional 14.09.2012

Botafogo is currently fifth with 37 points, while Internacional have two points less. Both teams have big ambitions and both teams will try to catch at least Copa Libertadores spot.

That is why I am expecting an open and interesting match at Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange in Rio de Janeiro. So, I believe there will be at least three goals here.

First about the team news. Both teams have some missing players. The hosts will be without six players due to injuries (Marcelo Mattos, Vitor Junior, Lucas Zen, Antonio Carlos, Rafael Marques and Renato), but none of them is new injury victim. Maybe the biggest handicap is the absence of Nicolas Lodeiro who is on international duty with Uruguayan national team.

The guests are also incomplete. Otavio, Juan, Kleber, Rafael Moura and Ygor are injured, but there are four additional sidelined players. Two of them are suspended – Fabricio and Nei. Both of them are important defenders and their absence is a big handicap for the coach Fernandao. Finally, Guinazu and Forlan are on international duties with their national teams (Argentina and Uruguay).

The key reason for my pick is Botafogo. They are in excellent form at the moment with three consecutive victories. The last two matches were very efficient and both of them have finished with Over 2.5 goals. To be more correct, both of of them finished with Over 3.5 goals.

I will also write that Botafogo and Internacional are used to play efficient matches in the last period. The last four mutual games when Botafogo was host have ended with Over 2.5 goals.

I expect another efficient match. Botafogo is in excellent form, Seedorf and Andrezinho have each scored two goals on the last two matches. I also think Internacional is able to score, specially in a situation when the key midfielder D’Alessandro is returning from suspension and will produce many chances for the striker Leandro Damiao. So, Over 2.5 goals is my choice.