Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo predictions: Fast start expected in Rose Bowl clash
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- PSG opened their Club World Cup campaign with a 4-0 rout of Atletico Madrid
- Botafogo qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the 2024 Copa Libertadores
- Recommended bet: Over 1.5 first-half goals
Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo both made winning starts to their Club World Cup Group B campaigns and they meet at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on matchday two.
European champions PSG continued their outstanding form with a 4-0 drubbing of Atletico Madrid, who were rated their biggest rivals in the section.
They are hot favourites to bank another three points against Botafogo, who beat Atletico Mineiro 3-1 in November's Copa Libertadores final despite having midfielder Gregore sent off in the second minute.
Team news
PSG top goalscorer Ousmane Dembele has not returned to full training and is unlikely to be risked. Winger Bradley Barcola has recovered from a knee injury but may not displace Desire Doue in the starting line-up.
Botafogo could recall left-winger Cuiabano but Matheus Martins and Jeffinho are injured. New signings Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa are set to start on the bench again.
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The stats
Four of PSG's last five results were victories featuring over 3.5 goals.
PSG have won their last three matches to nil.
Striker Goncalo Ramos scored 10 goals in just 1,064 minutes of Ligue 1 action for PSG in 2024-25.
Botafogo have lost only one of their last nine matches.
Both teams have scored in only five of Botafogo's last 20 games in all competitions.
Botafogo have won their last four games by a one-goal margin.
Prediction
PSG's intensity proved too much for Atletico Madrid in the Californian heat and Luis Enrique will demand another fast start from the European champions at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Enrique's men thumped Atletico 4-0 in their Group B opener as goals from midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha gave them a 2-0 half-time lead.
Friday's opponents Botafogo also led 2-0 at the break against Seattle Sounders although Cristian Roldan's second-half goal left them clinging on for a 2-1 win on matchday one.
The MLS side had 23 shots to Botafogo's 12 and PSG's relentless attackers should get plenty of chances before half-time.
Even without top scorer Dembele and brilliant young winger Barcola, they lined up with a top-class front three of Desire Doue, Goncalo Ramos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia against Atletico.
And the depth of PSG's attacking talent was reflected by the fact that none of those players got on the scoresheet as Senny Mayulu and Kang-In Lee, from the penalty spot, wrapped up the win late on.
The treble winners scored twice in the first 20 minutes of their 5-0 win over Inter in the Champions League final and were 3-0 up at the break in the Coupe de France final against Reims.
Coach Enrique will be keen to take charge of the clash with Botafogo early on so that he can manage his players' workloads in the second half and backing two or more first-half goals to be scored looks the way to go.
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