Fluminense vs Botafogo Prediction: A crucial Carioca Derby

Fluminense and Botafogo will meet at the Maracanã with victory as their target, despite being at opposite ends of the table. Fluminense is just two points above the relegation zone, while Botafogo leads the Brasileirão with a three-point advantage over Palmeiras. 

The Tricolor das Laranjeiras beat Atlético Mineiro at home in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. The winning goal was scored by Lima in the 87th minute in a match with few chances on goal. The result gives confidence for the Grandpa Classic with Botafogo, a tricky opponent for Fluminense in recent seasons. Botafogo has won five times in the previous five games between the two clubs. Mano Menezes will probably face a dilemma about who will play due to fatigue from the Copa Libertadores match. There's another clash with Atlético Mineiro in the middle of next week, and it's also a decisive match.

Botago's performance against São Paulo in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores wasn't brilliant. A 0-0 draw at home is not a good result, although everything is still in play. The Cariocas had several chances to score in the first half, hitting the post twice, but were ineffective. In the second half, the game was more divided after a tactical change by Zubeldía, the São Paulo coach, who switched to playing with four defenders instead of five, balancing the forces in midfield. Like Fluminense's coach, Artur Jorge will also have to manage his players' fatigue, considering the derby and the second leg with São Paulo a few days later. Defending champion Palmeiras is on the rise and threatening Botafogo, who must beat rival Fluminense.

Botafogo is in first place and currently has better players than Fluminense, but in a derby, anything can happen. The game comes in the middle of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals, where both teams are involved, making it harder to predict the result. Both managers may decide to rest some players so the forces could be more balanced. Botafogo must win to maintain or increase the gap on Palmeiras. Fluminense, meanwhile, needs at least a point to stay out of the relegation zone. Botafogo won all the last five matches between the two rivals. Still, I will use a Double Chance in favor of the Brasileirão leader with a maximum of three goals scored because a draw is entirely possible.