Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction: The two rivals will clash in a heated derby

Botafogo and Flamengo will meet in Round 23 in a game where the rivalry is more intense than ever as both clubs are fighting for the title. Botafogo leads the standings with one more point than Fortaleza and two more than Flamengo. There could be changes at the top of the table if Botafogo fails to win the Rio Derby.

Coach Artur Jorge has the same dilemma as Tite. The two Carioca clubs will decide their passage to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals in midweek, and keeping the players fit is essential. Artur Jorge gave half the team a rest in the last round of the Brasileirão, but the Glorioso lost 3-2 to Juventude. However, managing the players' efforts helped Botafogo beat Palmeiras 2-1 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. The problem is that the next opponent is Flamengo, and a few days later, there's the second leg with Palmeiras to play. It's probably the most decisive week of the year for Botafogo.

The Scarlet-Black won 2-0 against Bolívar and can look forward to the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 with some peace of mind. However, in La Paz, the game will take place at 3640 meters of altitude, so Tite will hardly field the same starting eleven in the next two games with Botafogo and Bolívar. Any result other than a defeat against the rival will be positive for Flamengo. The Vulture wants to win both competitions, the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores, and his squad has enough solutions for critical times like these.

There are no favorites in the Rivalry Derby. Both teams are well organized and have players capable of deciding the game at any moment. Both coaches will probably change a few players in their line-ups due to the Copa Libertadores matches in the midweek. If Botafogo wins, it will be a big step towards the title, but the club often fails at decisive moments, so it's risky to bet on the Brasileirão leader. I'm more inclined to bet on a draw, which would be more beneficial to Flamengo.