Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Brazilian Série A match.
Round six of the Brazilian Serie A brings one of the country's fiercest rivalries — the Clássico Vovô — as Botafogo take on Fluminense in what will be the 383rd encounter between the Rio de Janeiro clubs.
Botafogo
The current Serie A and Copa Libertadores champions have struggled this spring. Botafogo are currently placed 15th in the league standings with only 5 points. In the Copa Libertadores, they sit third in their group after three rounds. The team suffered two consecutive 0:1 defeats in their most recent fixtures — first against Atlético Mineiro in the league, followed by a loss to Estudiantes de La Plata in continental competition. Across their last eight matches in all competitions, they have secured just two victories, both of which came in early April.
Fluminense
Fluminense have been in notably stronger form. They are third in the Serie A with 10 points, and have claimed seven out of a possible nine points in the Copa Sudamericana. Defensively, they have been well-organised — conceding only four goals in the domestic league and one in the continental tournament. Thiago Silva has missed the last four matches, but even in the absence of the 40-year-old veteran, the squad has held up well. All four of those matches ended with fewer than three goals scored, and the team remained unbeaten over that stretch.
Botafogo vs Fluminense Prediction
We’re backing the away side to get a result here. Botafogo continue to struggle under their new manager, while Fluminense have delivered consistent, disciplined performances. It’s also worth noting that seven of the last eight matches involving the visitors have ended with fewer than three goals.
