Botafogo vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: The Friendship Classic will play a part in the standings

Rivals Botafogo and Vasco da Gama, fourth and fifth, respectively, face each other in Round 9 of the Carioca. Just one point separates the two teams fighting to finish in the top four of the competition with three games to go. Undoubtedly, this Friendship Classic could be decisive in qualifying for the semi-finals

The Glorioso reacted to the defeat against Flamengo with an assertive victory against Volta Redonda. After 22 minutes, Botafogo was leading 2-0. Tiago Nunes' team overtook Vasco, this round's opponent, in fourth position, the last place guaranteeing qualification for the semi-finals. A triumph in the Friendship Classic will give the Lone Star team a four-point lead over its rival with two games remaining in the Carioca regular season. Botafogo has the first leg of the Copa Libertadores second round to play a few days after the classic, so there could be some rotation of players against Vasco.

In the last game, the Hill's Giant drew 0-0 at the Maracanã as a visitor to Fluminense. Vasco da Gama hasn't conceded a goal in three matches after a draw 0-0 with Flamengo, also at the Maracanã but as hosts, and a 1-0 victory against last-placed Audax Rio. Vasco lost the fourth place to Botafogo and is now out of the qualifying places. Any result other than a win will keep the Cruzmaltino out of the top 4. Ramón Díaz's team will play at home against theoretically inferior opponents in the remaining two rounds, so a draw against Botafogo could be a good result. A defeat will complicate qualification.

Probably, it will be a balanced match as the teams won't want to take too many risks. Botafogo may introduce some changes to its starting eleven due to the Copa Libertadores qualifier it has to play a few days after the classic. Vasco da Gama has problems in defense, with Medel and João Victor suspended, and could lose a little of the solid defensive performance displayed in recent games. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Botafogo with a score of under four goals in total.