In the early hours of Wednesday (CET), Botafogo and Fluminense go head-to-head at the Estadio Nilton Santos in what promises to be an enthralling gameweek eight capital derby clash in Serie A.
Botafogo looking to extend promising recent good formArtur Jorge’s team will head into this game looking to extend their recent six-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Their recent record in Serie A has also been strong. A 1-0 win at Corinthians last time out means that they have won four of the previous six league games.
The home team’s recent results have them in third place in the standings, only a point adrift of league leaders Flamengo.
Botafogo saw a four-game unbeaten run on home soil in Serie A end last time out, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against fellow high-fliers Bahia.
However, in all competitions, they have won five of their last six home games at the Nilton Santos.
Fluminense looking to kick-start Serie A campaignThe visitors extended their recent unbeaten run to four games in all competitions with a 1-1 home draw against Juventude. The draw ended a run of three straight competitive victories for Fernando Diniz’s team.
Despite their recent unbeaten run in all competitions, Fluminense are winless in their last four Serie A games. They have also taken just six points from their seven league outings this season.
Defensive issues have plagued their recent matches in the Brazilian top flight, as they have conceded at least two goals in three of the last four league matches.
Fluminense have been severely travel sick lately in Serie A, as they have lost all three of their away games in the Brazilian top flight this season.
A leaky defence has been one of the main causes of their poor recent away results. At least two goals have been conceded in all three of their defeats on the road in the league this season.
What am I backing?Both sides have been in decent form of late. I believe the difference in the result will be the team’s respective home and away records. That is why the result I am backing is the home win.