MATCH PREVIEW
Gremio were one of the only two Brazilian clubs to have played this week, as they hosted Atletico Mineiro in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil finals and after 15 years they finally won a national title with a 1-1.
That was enough for them to lift the trophy as they had won the first leg 3-1 with an amazing performance, but they have abandoned the league for quite some time now and have been using mainly reserves in their matches, which is something we will see again this weekend.
With that, Botafogo have a good chance of ending their winless run that reached the fifth consecutive round last time they played in a home match against Ponte Preta that ended 1-1. Now, with their main center backs returning to the team and facing a weakened side, they will keep a clean sheet and get back home with a low score win.
Head To Head
Botafogo were 2-1 winners when the sides met in Rio earlier in the season. Gremio had won the previous four meetings.
Gremio vs Botafogo Stats
50% of Gremio home games this term have ended either 0-0 or 1-0. The same goes for 55% of Botafogo away games.
Gremio Team News
Jailson, Fred and Pedro Rocha are contenders to come in with some rotation likely following their midweek cup win. Walter Kannemann is suspended.
Botafogo Team News
Striker Neilton and midfielder Dudu Cearense are banned. Rodrigo Pimpão and Sassá are expected to start up top while Emerson and Joel Carli are doubts.
