Preview: America Mineiro vs. Botafogo - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have been unable to secure a victory in their previous two games in all competitions, meanwhile, the visitors are enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run.

Match preview

America Mineiro are currently eighth-placed in the Brasileiro, and they have enjoyed mixed form so far with three victories and defeats to their name so far.

Consistency is what the squad is now searching for, and that would help to see them climb further up the league table if they were able to secure that.

However, their previous two fixtures has led to them failing to pick up a victory with a defeat and a draw adding to their inconsistent problems.

America Mineiro took a two-goal lead through Marlon and Iago Maidana, but their inability to hold onto that result is something that left Vagner Mancini frustrated.

So far they are undefeated at home in the Brasileiro, which will bring some confidence to the team to continue that run.

However, the visitors head into this match on a seven-match unbeaten streak which has seen them climb into fourth place with just one defeat in the league.

Three points on Sunday has the potential to take Botafogo to the top of the division if other results go in their favour, which would be an ideal start to the campaign.

Luis Castro guided his men to a 3-1 win during their previous outing against Fortaleza with goals from Erison, Patrick de Paula and Daniel Borges helping to secure the result.

Finding the back of the net has not been a problem for them this season either, having scored 10 times so far in the Brasileiro.

Botafogo have also managed to keep two clean sheets in their last three matches as well, helping to guide them to strong form heading into this one.

America Mineiro Brasileiro form:

America Mineiro form (all competitions):

Botafogo Brasileiro form:

Botafogo form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts will be without Maidana for this match due to the fact that he was sent off in their most recent Brasileiro fixture, with his suspension now kickstarting.

The squad was not rotated during their recent cup fixture though, and that is something that could lead to some fatigue heading into this one.

Considering the impressive performances that Botafogo have been putting together as of late, there is a chance that they will not be making any changes to the starting XI here.

Erison will likely be leading the line on his own once again, and after he found the back of the net in their previous match, he will be ready to cause problems again.

America Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Jailson; Eder, Conti, Soares; Kal, Patric, Marlon, Ramirez, Azevedo; Henrique, Aloisio

Botafogo possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Saravia, Santos, Cuesta, Borges; Tche Tche, Oyama; Sa, Fernandes, Diego; Erison

We say: America Mineiro 1-2 Botafogo

Both of these teams have put together strong stars to the season, and that is something that they will likely lead to a close fixture.

However, the confidence that the visitors have been displaying as of late is something that could end up giving them the edge here.

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