The 34th round of the Brazilian Serie B opens with an all-Paulinian clash between Grêmio Novorizontino and Botafogo-SP, scheduled for Friday, October 24, at 19:00 local time, at the Doutor Jorge Ismael de Biasi Stadium. Both teams arrive with very different objectives: while the hosts are fighting for promotion, the visitors are desperately trying to avoid relegation. The atmosphere in Novo Horizonte is expected to be electric, with the club even promoting ticket giveaways to ensure strong home support in this decisive stage of the season.

Novorizontino’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Novorizontino enter this match in excellent form, unbeaten in their last three games and level on points with three teams currently in the top four. The Tigre sit fifth in the Serie B table with 54 points, just outside the promotion zone, and know that a win could propel them back into the G-4. Their most recent outing ended in a 0-0 draw against Amazonas on October 17, a result that extended their solid defensive run.

Across their last five matches, Novorizontino have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 0.4 conceded per game. Over the season, they have achieved 14 wins, 12 draws, and 7 losses, with an average of 1.1 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per match. Their home record is particularly strong: at least one goal has been scored by the team in each of their last 16 home matches, and they remain one of the toughest sides to beat at home in Serie B.

However, one recurring issue has been their slow starts — the Tigre have not led at half-time in their last 15 league games. Despite this, their defensive consistency and home advantage make them clear favorites. The team also tends to play in low-scoring encounters, with Under 3.5 goals recorded in each of their last 14 league matches.

Coach Enderson Moreira will welcome back key attacking players for this fixture. Striker Robson, the team’s top scorer, returns after serving a suspension, while winger Vaguininho is also back after missing the last match due to yellow card accumulation. Midfielder Willian Farias is suspended, and several others remain sidelined through injury. The expected starting lineup is: Airton; Rodrigo Soares, César Martins, Patrick, Mayk; Fabio Matheus, Luis Oyama, Tavinho; Vaguininho, Bruno José, Robson.

Botafogo-SP’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Botafogo-SP travel to Novo Horizonte in a difficult situation. The Pantera are currently 18th in the Serie B table with 34 points, sitting deep in the relegation zone. Their last match ended in a 2-2 home draw against Cuiabá on October 19, but that result did little to ease their troubles. The team has managed just one win in their last nine games, and their defensive record is among the worst in the league.

In their last five matches, Botafogo-SP have registered 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 defeats, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Over the season, they have 8 wins, 10 draws, and 15 losses, with an average of 0.9 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match. The team’s struggles are evident both offensively and defensively — they have the second-worst attack and second-worst defense in the competition.

Botafogo-SP have also been poor starters, failing to lead at half-time in their last 24 Serie B matches and in 19 of their last 20 away games. The club remains without a permanent head coach, with an interim manager once again taking charge. Midfielder Gustavo Bochecha is still sidelined with a knee injury, while right-back Jeferson remains doubtful due to fitness issues. The lack of stability and confidence has made it difficult for the team to find consistency, especially away from home.

Novorizontino vs Botafogo-SP Prediction and Tactical Overview

Historically, this fixture has been balanced but low-scoring. The last head-to-head meeting ended 0-0 on July 6, 2025, and across their last five encounters, Novorizontino have won three, drawn one, and lost one, scoring an average of 1.0 goal per game and conceding 0.6. Given the current form of both sides, the hosts appear far better positioned to take all three points.

Novorizontino’s defensive organization and home strength contrast sharply with Botafogo-SP’s fragility and lack of attacking efficiency. The Tigre’s ability to control possession and capitalize on set pieces could prove decisive, especially with Robson and Vaguininho back in the lineup. Meanwhile, the visitors’ main challenge will be to contain the hosts’ pressure and avoid early mistakes that could dictate the game’s rhythm.

Considering the statistics, a tight match with few goals is expected. Novorizontino’s matches often stay under three goals, while Botafogo-SP’s offensive limitations further support the likelihood of a low-scoring affair. The home side’s superior form and motivation to re-enter the promotion zone make them clear favorites to win.

Probable Lineups Novorizontino vs Botafogo-SP
Novorizontino (4-3-3): Airton; Rodrigo Soares, César Martins, Patrick, Mayk; Fabio Matheus, Luis Oyama, Tavinho; Vaguininho, Bruno José, Robson. Coach: Enderson Moreira.
Botafogo-SP: Not confirmed. Coach: Interim.

Novorizontino vs Botafogo-SP prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is a Novorizontino win (1) with a 63% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 23%, while a Botafogo-SP win (2) stands at 14%.