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**Botafogo Favored to Win Against Cruzeiro in Brasileirão Matchup**

**Rio de Janeiro, Brazil** – Botafogo is the favorite to win their Brasileirão match against Cruzeiro this Sunday at Nilton Santos Stadium, according to sports analysts and betting odds. The game, part of the 18th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, is scheduled for 4 PM Brasilia time and will be broadcast on Premiere.

Several factors contribute to Botafogo’s favored status. Despite being second in the league, Cruzeiro is coming off a recent loss to Ceará and a goalless draw against CRB in the Copa do Brasil. Moreover, playing away at Nilton Santos will present a challenge. Botafogo will also receive a boost as Marlon Freitas returns from suspension and Savarino, fresh off a strong performance against Bragantino in the Copa do Brasil, is expected to start.

While Cruzeiro relies heavily on Kaio Jorge, the league’s top scorer with 13 goals, the team faces uncertainty regarding the fitness of key players. Fagner suffered a foot injury in their last match, potentially opening the door for William to start at right-back. Marquinhos’s availability is also uncertain due to a recent illness.

Botafogo currently sits in 6th place with 26 points, boasting a record of seven wins, five draws, and three losses. Sports analysts suggest considering a bet on over ten total corners in the match, given the teams’ combined average of 10.3 corners per game this season.

**Possible Lineups:**

* **Botafogo:** John; Vitinho, Kaio, Barboza e Alex Telles (Cuiabano); Marlon Freitas, Allan e Montoro; Natham Fernandes, Arthur Cabral e Savarino (Correa). Coach: Davide Ancelotti.
* **Cruzeiro:** Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba e Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian, Matheus Pereira e Wanderson (Marquinhos); Kaio Jorge. Coach: Leonardo Jardim.

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