Davide Ancelotti’s Botafogo is on a roll. After a narrow 1-0 away win over Sport Recife, the reigning Brazilian champions return home to face Corinthians at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in this Matchday 17 clash of the Brasileirão Betano. Following a rocky start, Botafogo has transformed under the leadership of Davide Ancelotti—son of the legendary Carlo—stringing together an impressive unbeaten run. Since taking over, Ancelotti Jr. has collected seven points in three matches, with zero goals conceded. Botafogo are now unbeaten in seven league matches and currently sit in fifth place, nine points behind leaders Cruzeiro but with two games in hand. That means the race for back-to-back titles is still very much alive. To remain competitive in both the Copa Betano and Copa Libertadores, the club has strengthened its squad with high-profile signings like Joaquín Correa, Arthur Cabral, and, most notably, Danilo, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for around €23 million. While optimism is running high at Botafogo, the atmosphere is quite different on the other side. Corinthians, currently 11th after 16 matches, are going through a tough spell, with just one win in their last seven league games, not to mention their elimination from the Copa Sudamericana. A 0-0 draw against Cruzeiro last time out was a small step forward, but manager Dorival Júnior’s job remains on the line, and a defeat here could cost him dearly. If they hope to replicate last season’s seventh-place finish, Depay and company must reverse course quickly—possibly by handing Botafogo their first home loss of the season.

Botafogo's Recent Form and Key Stats

In the last round, Botafogo did what was expected of them, earning a 1-0 away win against bottom-placed Sport Recife, who have just 4 points. Still, the Fogão had to sweat for it, finding the winner only in injury time through 22-year-old Cuiabano, who came on in the 83rd minute for Alex Telles.

Since Davide Ancelotti took charge on July 8th, the team has looked revitalized. After being knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup by Palmeiras in the Round of 16, they’ve bounced back with two wins and a draw, all without conceding a single goal.

At home in the league, their form is rock solid: four wins and two draws, with an average of 2.16 goals scored and only 0.66 conceded per match. Across all competitions, Botafogo haven't lost at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos since February 28th.

Corinthians' Recent Form and Key Stats

Tough times for Corinthians. After a 2-0 defeat in the Clássico Majestoso against São Paulo, they followed up with a goalless home draw against title-chasing Cruzeiro. The Timão have won just once in their last eight games across all competitions—a 1-0 away win at Ceará on July 17th—drawing four and losing three.

One of the major issues under Dorival Junior has been their poor away form: just one win in eight league matches on the road, along with three draws and four losses. Even more concerning, Depay and his teammates have scored only 4 goals away from home, averaging 0.5 goals per game. A serious turnaround is needed if they’re to pick up points away from the Neo Química Arena and start climbing the table.

Botafogo vs Corinthians Prediction and Tactical Overview

BetMines' prediction for Botafogo vs Corinthians strongly favors a home win, as the defending champions are in excellent form and eager to defend their title.

This is one of the most iconic fixtures in Brazilian football—these two sides have met 120 times, with Botafogo winning 51, Corinthians 43, and 26 ending in draws. The historical record slightly favors Botafogo under Davide Ancelotti.

The BetMines algorithm predicts a low-scoring affair, possibly with one side failing to score. Botafogo’s defense has been extremely solid, currently the second-best in the league, while Corinthians are one of the worst attacking sides on the road.

All signs point to Depay and his teammates being held goalless for the third match in a row and potentially suffering their second defeat in three games. To make matters worse, Corinthians will be without suspended midfielders Martinez and Garro—both key players. For Botafogo, big-money signing Danilo could make his midfield debut.

• Botafogo vs Corinthians Prediction by BetMines: Botafogo to win (1) – 53%
  
  
• Botafogo vs Corinthians Prediction by BetMines: At least one team fails to score – 54%

Probable Lineups Botafogo vs Corinthians

BOTAFOGO (4-2-3-1): John; Vitinho, Kaio, Barboza, Telles; Newton, Danilo; Artur, Correa, Montoro; Cabral.
Coach: Davide Ancelotti

CORINTHIANS (4-2-3-1): Souza; Mana, Caca, Ramalho, Bidu; Carrillo, Pedro; Romero, Matheus Araujo, Wesley; Depay. Coach: Dorival Junior