Vasco da Gama vs Botafogo Prediction: Expect an exciting derby

The two clubs from Rio de Janeiro will meet in the Friendship Derby, a game both need to win. Vasco is just one place above the relegation zone, while Botafogo is one point away from first place. In the record between the two teams, Vasco holds the advantage with a 42% win rate compared to 28% for Botafogo. The Giant was also better in the last five matches, with three wins and two losses.

After surprisingly beating São Paulo 4-1, Vasco traveled to Salvador to face Bahia, the big surprise of the Brasileirão. The Cruzmaltino played a good game and almost brought home a point. Thaciano scored for Bahia after only 7 minutes, but Paulo equalized for Vasco in the 20th minute. David saw the red card in the 59th minute, making the Giant's task more challenging. The Cariocas held on to the draw almost until the end of the game but conceded the goal in the 85th minute through Estupiñan. Against Botafogo, the home factor could help Vasco da Gama, which usually does well against its rival at the São Januário.

The Lone Star team pulled off a hard-fought but deserved home victory against RB Bragantino. Botafogo saw its opponent open the scoring through Lucas Evangelista after just 6 minutes. Botafogo's reaction was almost immediate, and 15 minutes later, Carlos Eduardo equalized the match with a beautifully placed shot. In the second half, Eduardo scored his second goal, again with technique but with his left foot, setting up the final result. It was an essential victory after the defeat in Criciúma. The Glorious is one point behind Flamengo and Bahia, the Série A leaders, with the same 23 points as champion Palmeiras. It won't be easy to beat Vasco at the São Januário, but it's possible with a strong team spirit.

It's not easy to predict the outcome of the derby because there are no favorites. It's not easy to win at the São Januário, but Botafogo has already won three times on the road in the Brasileirão. The Glorious is the better side, but Vasco da Gama historically finds a particular motivation when facing its rival. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of the visitors with a maximum of three goals scored, especially as Botafogo is more confident.