The Club World Cup round of 16 will kick off tonight with a hotly anticipated Brazilian derby as Palmeiras and Botafogo go toe to toe.
A goalless draw was the result the last time these teams met, but there will be no such result today as extra time and penalties will follow should they be tied after 90 minutes.
Palmeiras are tipped as slight favourites coming in, but have not managed to beat Botafogo since November 2023, going winless in five meetings since.
The Verdão narrowly lead the all-time head-to-head, though, winning 23 of 52 matches against Botafogo.
The tie will be mandatory viewing for Chelsea fans. Should the Blues beat Benfica in their round of 16 tie, they will meet the winner of Palmeiras vs Botafogo in the quarter finals. Chelsea launch their round of 16 campaign in the late kick-off tonight, facing Benfica in North Carolina.
Blues also have another opportunity to watch the wonderkid Willian Estevao before he joins up with Enzo Maresca’s squad later this summer.
According to Opta, the exciting teen winger attempted and completed more take-ons than any of his teammates in the group stage, also leading the side for touches in the opposition box (18).
Predicted line-ups
Palmeiras will once again be unable to call upon the services of Bruno Rodrigues, while midfielder Mauricio could come into the starting XI after scoring as a substitute last time out.
Botafogo’s Gregore will serve a one-match suspension after receiving a yellow card in each of his last two outings at the Club World Cup, so fellow midfielder Newton could deputise.
Palmeiras: Weverton; Giay, Gomez, Murilo; Torres, Rios, Moreno, Piquerez; Estevao, Mauricio; Lopez.
Botafogo: John; Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Newton, Allan, Freitas; Artur, Jesus, Savarino.
