Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction: The Rivalry Classic could mean goodbye to Flamengo's title hopes

Botafogo and Flamengo will meet for the 345th time in official matches in the first big classic of Round 22. There's also a clash between Corinthians and Palmeiras this weekend, but let's focus on the Carioca derby. In the Clássico da Rivalidade, Flamengo has the upper hand with 127 wins against Botafogo's 105. The two teams have drawn 113 times. Flamengo is usually above Botafogo in the standings, but the paradigm has changed this season. The Lone Star team has been in first place since the beginning and is the main favorite to win the Brasileirão. Flamengo is in fourth place, 15 points behind Botafogo, so if Sampaoli's team loses, it's goodbye to the title. Botafogo is 11 points ahead of Palmeiras, who seems to be the only team capable of stopping the Glorioso's celebration. A win would be excellent for the Série A leader, taking rival Flamengo out of the race and putting pressure on Palmeiras for the Paulista derby played the following day.

This week, Bruno Lage suffered his first defeat as Botafogo coach in Argentina against Defensa Y Justicia. The Cariocas were eliminated in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals, ending a long run of 19 games without defeats. In this massive clash against Flamengo, Botafogo will be looking to continue its perfect run at home. The Brasileirão leader has played 11 home games so far and won them all, with a goal difference of 26-3. However, there is a curious fact. Flamengo has won all the last seven encounters between the two teams at the Botafogo stadium. The Glorioso still has hope that Tiquinho, the league's top scorer, will return in time for the Clássico after a month out injured.

The Mengão put in a disappointing display against Internacional in its last match. In a game without many scoring chances, the 0-0 final reflected what happened on the poor Maracanã turf. At the Nilton Santos, Flamengo will play with wounded pride, and who knows, it could surprise the Série A leader. In the recent history of this derby, as I said earlier, the Scarlet-Black side has won on its last seven visits to Botafogo's ground, which could indicate added difficulties for the home team. A defeat for Flamengo would definitely put the team off the top spot and open another wound.

A game of this kind is always unpredictable as the rivalry is intense, and the teams' form will be reset when the referee whistles for kick-off. Given the high odds at the bookmakers, I will bet on a Botafogo win. The league leader has won every home match and is the favorite for this game. However, the fatigue from the Argentina match as the loss may affect Botafogo's performance. Using a Total Goals Under 2.5 bet can also work and even cover a possible surprise if there are few goals.