Botafogo face Athletico-PR looking to extend their lead in the Brasileirão
On Saturday (21), Botafogo, sole leaders of the Brazilian Championship, host Athletico-PR at home in the Nilton Santos Stadium. With 58 points, the Glorioso have the chance to further increase their lead in the table if they win. The Carioca side come into the match on the back of two away wins.
On the other hand, Furacão, who returned to sixth place in the tournament after beating Grêmio 2-1, will be determined to win all three points on the pitch. The match between Botafogo and Athletico will be broadcast live on Rádio Nacional, with André Marques narrating, Waldir Luiz commentating and Rafael Monteiro reporting.
Botafogo in good form after change of coach
Botafogo have found their best form since the sacking of coach Bruno Lage at the beginning of the month. Under the command of Lúcio Flávio, the club's former midfielder, the team achieved two consecutive victories: 2-0 over Fluminense at the Maracanã and 2-1 against América-MG away from home.
One of the highlights of the Albiceleste squad is striker Júnior Santos, the scorer of the goals in the last two victories. As well as scoring, the player has also excelled at marking.
For this Saturday's match, coach Lúcio Flávio will once again be able to count on midfielder Tchê Tchê and left-back Marçal, who were suspended for the last match. The Glorioso are expected to field Lucas Perri, Di Plácido, Adryelson, Cuesta and Marçal; Tchê Tchê, Marlon Freitas, Júnior Santos, Eduardo and Victor Sá; Tiquinho Soares.
Athletico-PR seeks to get closer to G4
Athletico-PR, on 44 points in the table, are looking for a win to move even closer to the G4, which guarantees qualification for next year's Copa Libertadores. Furacão have already beaten Botafogo twice this season: 3-2 in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, and 1-0 in the first round of the Brasileirão.
However, the team led by coach Wesley Carvalho will have important absentees, such as Uruguayan striker Agustín Canobbio, suspended for receiving his third yellow card in the last round. Athletico-PR's probable line-up is: Bento, Cacá, Thiago Heleno and Kaique Rocha; Cuello, Erick, Fernandinho and Esquivel; Vitor Bueno, Zapelli and Pablo.
* Collaboration by Pedro Dabés (trainee) under the supervision of Paulo Garritano.
