Preview: Internacional vs. Botafogo - prediction, team news, lineups

A crucial win over Sao Paulo last time out saw the visitors jump out of the relegation zone, while their hosts strengthened their position in the top four with a victory against Goias.

Match preview

Internacional have enjoyed a strong start to the Brazilian top-flight season, immediately establishing themselves at the top end of the division with 21 points from their opening 12 games, having only suffered one defeat.

That lone loss came on the opening day, and the Colorado quickly built an unbeaten run afterwards, starting with back-to-back wins before playing out five consecutive draws.

Those stalemates were followed by a victory over Bragantino and a draw with Santos, before Mano Menezes's side picked up consecutive wins heading into the weekend.

The Colorado firstly beat Flamengo 3-1, as Wanderson hit a brace and Pedro Henrique scored a late penalty to wrap up the points, before Edenilson and Alan Patrick got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win away at Goias last time out.

Now finding themselves in an impressive run of form that has seen them climb to third place, just a point behind Corinthians in second spot, Menezes's men will look to put a third straight victory on the board to move closer to the top spot.

Botafogo, meanwhile, will make the trip looking for another crucial win to lift spirits at the club.

Following their promotion back to the top flight, the visitors had to endure a tough start to the campaign, as they sat in the relegation zone with 12 points from their opening 11 outings.

Such a slump triggered an off-the-field incident, as fans invaded the club's training ground in the week to protest following four straight defeats, before they hosted Sao Paulo in an important meeting and came out with a crucial victory.

Kayque hit the only goal of the game on the hour mark to see the Fogo take all three points and jump out of the relegation zone and up to 14th spot as a result.

Looking to rebuild positivity around the club, Luis Castro's men will go in search of another win on Sunday to increase the cushion between themselves and the bottom four.

Internacional Brasileiro form:

Internacional form (all competitions):

Botafogo Brasileiro form:

Team News

Internacional's dangerous attacking line will be led by Wanderson, who has netted four league goals so far this season.

Alan Patrick is another threat, likely operating behind the two strikers, while Edenilson also got on the scoresheet from the base of midfield last time out.

Elsewhere, without injured centre-back Bruno Mendez, Gabriel Mercado and Vitao should again partner up at the heart of the defence.

Botafogo recently announced the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Fernando Marcal, but he will not be eligible to play until the beginning of July, when his contract with the Premier League outfit expires.

Braga loanee Lucas Piazon is a man to watch, with the former Chelsea winger likely to operate on the left-hand side of a front three.

Key defender Victor Cuesta will be absent at the weekend, as he is on loan from Internacional and not able to play against his parent club.

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Daniel; Bustos, Vitao, Mercado, Moises; Edenilson, Gabriel, Cardoso; Patrick; Wanderson, David

Botafogo possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Kanu, Carli, Klaus; Saravia, Kayque, De Paula, Hugo; Lopez, Erison, Piazon

We say: Internacional 2-1 Botafogo

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