Betfair Live Video: Corinthians a no go for Botafogo

Paulo Guerrero should have opportunities against Botafogo

Betfair Live Video continue to bring you top drawer football fare, this weekend Reuben Thomas introduces two more big games from Sweden and Brazil...

Elfsborg vs Malmo FF
Sunday 16:30

Sunday afternoon sees Elfsborg take on Malmo in the biggest game of the season so far in the Allsvenskan as the top two battle it out in Boras.

With eleven league games gone hosts Elfsborg trail reigning champions Malmo by three points. Banking on their impressive home record they'll be hoping they can earn the win to get back on level terms.

After a sixth place finish last year coach Klas Ingesson has seen an improvement from his team this term. They've certainly started brightly and it seems he has 'The Elegants' playing at the top of their game. They've suffered just two losses so far with only nine goals conceded.

The Boras Arena has long been known as an intimidating venue for away teams in Sweden and has been the bedrock for Elfsborg's success over the years. Their record there is exceptional; they have only lost their three times in the last 35 games and they are on a run of eight straight home wins.

Leaders and reigning champions Malmo will be well aware of the challenge posed by a trip to Boras, never having won in that stadium before eventually breaking their duck last season.

However after such a dominant start to their campaign their confidence will be sky high and they set off having been victorious in their last seven away games. They have also beaten Elfsborg in five of their last six encounters.

Malmo have a solid defence and quality throughout their team but there is no doubting who the star of the show is, after spells in Belgium and Spain Guillermo Molins has returned to the club and become their key man. He has been given the captains armband and played in his preferred forward role. He has repaid that faith with eight goals in ten games and leads the goalscoring charts, he should certainly be the man to watch on Sunday.

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Back The Draw @ 3.5n/a

Corinthians vs Botafogo
Sunday 20:00

Sunday night and action from game week nine of the Brazilian Campeonato as Botafogo travel from Rio to Sao Paulo to take on Corinthians.

After a dismally disappointing season last year it appears Corinthians are back. With eight games gone they are just a point off the top and their famously miserly defence looks back to its best with just four goals conceded so far.

The 'Timao' have always built their successes on a reliable defence and a strong home record and those qualities are shining through once again this season. They have only suffered one defeat in twelve at home and there have been under 2.5 goals in 21 of their last 22 games.

Coach Mano Menezes watched his team peg back table topping Cruzeiro on Thursday night thanks to a winner from Paulo Guerrero. The Peruvian looks likely to have a productive season with the talented Romarinho and Jadson both buzzing around him.

Expect the coach to name the same eleven that beat Cruzeiro with third choice keeper Walter remaining between the sticks. 

This week Menezes agreed the purchase of Uruguayan holding midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro from Botafogo, he will add further steel to their midfield although he won't be available to the Paulistas until after the World Cup. 

The loss of Lodeiro will only hurt Botafogo, they are already looking susceptible at the back and his defensive duties will be hard to replace. But they'll need  the cash from his sale if they are to afford the marquee signing of Robinho, that's the talk of the town amongst the fans of the 'Estrela Solitaria'.

With just eight points from as many games Botafogo have not started brightly and will need to pickup soon if coach Vagner Mancini is to avoid pressure. An away game at Corinthians would not have been a fixture he would have chosen this weekend especially considering they have already lost four of their five away matches so far this season.

Another blow is the absence of Emerson Sheik, Botafogo's top scorer will be suspended on Sunday so expect Jorge Wagner to fill that void. 

The boys from Botafogo do have a proud record against Corinthians having only lost once in the last thirteen head to heads but expect the hosts to get another win this Sunday.

Recommended Bets:
Back Corinthians to win @ 1.834/5
Back Corinthians to win 2-1 @ 8.07/1