Fluminense vs Botafogo Predictions

Saturday’s Brazilian Serie A derby action sees local rivals Fluminense and Botafogo doing battle at the Maracana. Plenty of action is expected to be in order as both sides chase the 3 points and bragging rights on offer.

After losing 1-0 at home to Goias and 2-1 away to Santos in their opening two matches, Fluminense went into last weekend’s trip to Gremio under huge pressure. They then went 3-0 down in less than 25 minutes in said game, but somehow turned things around to pick up a stunning 5-4 victory in an incredible 90 minutes that now has their confidence levels raised coming into Saturday’s game.

With star striker Pedro returning from an 8 month injury lay off, and with him having notched in each of his last two appearances off the bench, there’s a feeling that the win over Gremio can be a springboard for Flu to begin turning their fortunes around. Nonetheless, on paper they still hardly look the strongest outfit and it’s games like Saturday’s they need to win to ensure they stay clear of a relegation dogfight.

Meanwhile, after terrible performances in the state championship played prior to Serie A beginning and a timid opening day defeat at Sao Paulo, Botafogo were also coming under huge pressure from their fans, but back to back wins over Bahia and Fortaleza respectively have turned that situation around and have them arriving with momentum behind them on Saturday.

Like Fluminense, staying clear of relegation trouble is as about as good as it is likely to get for Fogo’ this season, but if they can take points from tricky games like this one, they could perhaps exceed expectations and push further on up the table. Boss Eduardo Barroca has certainly made a good start to life in the dugout since taking over and that’s a theme he’ll be hungry to continue in what is a big fixture.

Ultimately, we’re expecting an open and exciting game. Games between Fluminense and Botafogo are always played at high intensity and with both teams coming off the back of morale boosting victories, neither will be looking to hold back in their attempts to win the game.

All things considered, backing both nets to be hit looks the way to play as far as the betting is concerned and is exactly where our money is going. Fluminense’s last 2 matches have seen goals at both ends, as have 7 of Botafogo’s last 9 and we think both streaks will be continued in an entertaining 2-2 draw.