Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders Predictions, Odds and Betting Tips

Dylan Wilkerson Sports Betting Expert

11 minute read

Botafogo and Seattle Sounders are set to face each other in the opening match of Group B, with both teams eager to secure three crucial points before encountering two prominent European clubs.

While Botafogo is favored to win according to the odds, the fact that the Seattle Sounders are hosting the match at their home stadium may present added challenges for the Brazilian club. The home crowd could play a significant role in influencing the game dynamics.

Seattle’s home advantage might create some difficulties for Botafogo, raising questions about whether the bookmakers have accurately assessed the matchup.

In the 1x2 market, Betafogo is viewed as the favorite, with expectations that their superior class will overwhelm the MLS team, even within their familiar environment. Observing how this unfolds during the match will be of interest.

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Analysis of the Match

Group B is likely to be led by PSG and Atletico Madrid. These two teams will face off in the opening match, and both are expected to compete fiercely for a win.

If neither team secures a victory, they may need to overcome one or both of the other European teams in their subsequent matches. While the idea that "anything is possible" in football is often mentioned during major tournaments, this sentiment appears less applicable in this particular group.

Botafogo has shown steady progress this season since the arrival of head coach Renato Paiva. The club has undergone significant changes since achieving a historic double last season, which included winning the league title for the first time since 1995 and clinching the Copa Libertadores title for the first time ever.

With the departure of head coach Artur Jorge and star players Thiago Almada and Luiz Henrique to teams in France and Russia, Botafogo faced a significant rebuilding phase. After a challenging start, the team has started to find its form.

Key players like wingers Jefferson Savarino and Artur, along with striker Igor Jesus—who is set to join Nottingham Forest after the tournament—form a trio that may pose challenges for Seattle.

Despite Botafogo's improvements, their recent form away from home across all competitions has been inconsistent. This is an area where the Seattle Sounders will likely aim to exploit weaknesses.

As the underdog in this match, Seattle's chances may not be fully recognized by bookmakers, particularly considering they will be playing in front of a home crowd at their 72,000-seat stadium, where strong support is expected.

Slovakian midfielder Albert Rusnak was instrumental last season, contributing to 26 goals in the MLS, and has already tallied ten contributions in just 16 games this campaign. He will be a crucial player for the hosts, aiming to create opportunities in the attacking third.

While Botafogo has made strides, their recent 3-2 victory over Ceará demonstrated that they are still a work in progress, as they continue to concede avoidable goals. Seattle will likely look to capitalize on these defensive lapses.

Botafogo Analysis and Form

Botafogo has several players within their ranks capable of scoring. Former Manchester United left-back Alex Telles takes their penalties - and scored in the 2024 Copa Libertadores final. 

Seattle fans will know all about Santiago Rodriguez, having made 23 goal contributions for New York City last season before moving across to Brazil. And winger Artur returned from Russia to Brazil - and he’s been their best player this campaign.

However, all eyes will be on forward Igor Jesus. His goalscoring record may not stand out, but his hold-up play and ability to bring in Fogo’s talented wingers make him a massive threat in this match and the tournament as a whole.

Seattle Sounders Analysis and Form

Seattle Sounders' form has been mixed heading into this competition. For every win, a disappointing defeat is around the corner - and that lack of consistency can cost them dearly. Fans will be hoping their home advantage can serve them well.

But their success will depend mainly on the form of their standout no.10 Rusnak. If their creative Slovakian can find pockets of space behind Botafogo's two defensive midfielders, this is where the "hosts" can hurt the Brazilians - and find themselves on the scoresheet.

But keeping the ball out of their net will be difficult. Having conceded six in their last two league matches, as well as receiving two reds, Seattle isn't the most settled side heading into the tournament.

Head to Head Analysis

This is one of several matches in the Club World Cup group stages where the teams have limited experience of playing against teams from outside of their continent. 

Seattle Sounders have never taken on a club from Brazil. However, they have faced opposition from South America. They have clashed against four clubs from Costa Rica, winning one and losing two. Seattle also faced Suriname’s SV Transvaal in 1997, winning 10-0. 

The Sounders' most recent experience of an intercontinental competition came in 2023 when they were beaten 1-0 by Al Ahly in the Club World Cup.

Botafogo is the reigning champion of South America. They beat Atletico Mineiro 3-1 in the final of last season’s Copa Libertadores, earning a place in the Club World Cup, but they have limited experience against teams that play outside of their continent. 

Fogo has never faced opposition from the USA. Still, they did square off against Mexican opposition in the form of Club Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup back in December, suffering a 3-0 defeat, which doesn’t bode well ahead of this tournament. 

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Telles, Ricardo, Jair, Vitinho, Rodriguez, Freitas, Gregore, Artur, Savarino, Jesus

Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:
Frei; Nouhou, Ragen, Bell, Kossa-Rienzi, Vargas, Roldan, de La Vega, Rusnak, Rothrock, Musovski

All eyes will be on forward Igor Jesus, who is set to grace the Premier League next season with Nottingham Forest. His strength and link-up play will bring Savarino and Artur into play, two very capable players in the channels. Captain Marlon Freitas and Gregore will be doing the dirty work in the middle of the park for Brazilians, both of whom are vulnerable to yellow cards.

Seattle’s hopes hinge on Rusnak’s contributions. It will be up to his teammates to find him in between Botafogo’s two defensive midfielders and defence, who’ll be hoping to strike from range where possible.

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Dylan Wilkerson

Dylan Wilkerson has over 2 years of experience reporting and analyzing the sports betting industry for various sites. His portfolio includes work for SportsHandle and Action Network, in addition to VegasInsider. His favorite sports are the NFL, College Football, The PGA Tour, the LIV Tour, and Cricket. Dylan has a broad and deep understanding of various sports-related topics. More from Dylan Wilkerson