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Botafogo will invite Flamengo to Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in a top-of-the-table Brazilian Serie A clash on Sunday. The hosts are at the top of the standings with 43 points, two more than the visitors who have a game in hand.
The hosts suffered a 3-2 loss in their previous league outing to Juventude. They bounced back with a 2-1 home win in the Copa Libertadores round-of-16 first leg on Wednesday. Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus scored in the first half in that win.
The visitors are winless in their last two league outings and played out a 1-1 draw against Palmeiras last week. Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored in the 69th minute to give them the lead and Luighi equalized for the reigning champions in the fifth minute.
Botafogo vs Flamengo Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two Rio de Janeiro-based rivals contest the Clássico da Rivalidade and have met 392 times in all competitions. The visitors have the upper hand in these meetings with 147 wins. The hosts have 119 wins and 126 games have ended in draws.
- Both teams recorded away wins in their league meetings last season and the hosts continued that streak with a 2-0 away win in the reverse fixture in April.
- The hosts have the best-attacking record in the league, scoring 37 goals in 22 games. The visitors have the second-best record scoring 35 goals.
- Botafogo have suffered just one loss in their last 10 home games.
- Flamengo have suffered just two losses in 10 away games in the Brazilian Serie A this season.
- The last 10 meetings between the two sides have produced conclusive results with three wins for the hosts and seven for the visitors.
Botafogo vs Flamengo Prediction
Estrela Solitária returned to winning ways after two consecutive losses on Wednesday and will look to build on that form. Nonetheless, they have just one win in their last four league games. They have suffered just one loss in their last seven home games in the league.
Rubro-Negro returned to winning ways after three games on Thursday. They have suffered defeats in their last two away games while scoring to score, which is a cause for concern. Interestingly, they have won their last eight away meetings against the hosts while keeping five clean sheets.
Both teams play their third match in a week, so fatigue will be a factor. With that in mind and considering their recent form, a draw is likely to ensue.
Prediction: Botafogo 1-1 Flamengo
Botafogo vs Flamengo Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Luiz Henrique to score or assist any time - Yes
