Chapecoense vs Botafogo

Survival is the story as Chapecoense host Botafogo RJ at Arena Condá on Saturday. Sitting 19th with eight points from 12 games, the home side need a result urgently — any further slip-ups could make a fragile season look irredeemable. Chapecoense are winless in five, most recently falling 2-0 to Athletico Paranaense, and are without injured trio Maurício Garcez, Robert, and Bruno Matias. Walter Clar (3 goals) and Jean (2 goals, 2 assists) must carry the attack. Botafogo travel with better energy — Danilo's six league goals make him the key threat, while Álvaro Montoro leads in assists. Joaquín Correa and Marçal miss out, but a recent Copa Sudamericana victory shows the visitors' resilience. Botafogo's head-to-head dominance — unbeaten in five against Chapecoense — and the hosts' porous defence make this a tough ask for the home faithful. Our prediction: 1-2.