This is a Brasileiro Série B meeting with no clear favourite in CheckLive's read of the match. The model has not separated the two sides, so it is best approached as a genuinely open contest, with the draw very much part of the equation. Both teams will want the points as the league campaign continues.
Botafogo-SP's last five results are a 1-0 win over São Bernardo, a 2-1 win over América Mineiro, a 0-1 defeat at Fortaleza, a 4-2 win over Juventude and a 0-0 draw with Londrina. Criciúma have won 1-0 against Goiás, lost 0-2 at Athletic Club, drawn 0-0 with Náutico, and beaten Novorizontino 1-0 and Vila Nova 2-0. Both sides have three wins in that run, so there is little to choose between them.
The head-to-head favours Criciúma: from six previous meetings they have won four, with one Botafogo-SP win and one draw. The most recent encounter, in April, ended 1-0 to Criciúma. The key is whether Criciúma can repeat that edge against a Botafogo-SP side in similar form, and a draw would be no surprise.
