A win here in front of the home crowd would be another step towards getting over Copa Libertadores heartache in the Flamengo camp. Fans of “Mengão” were devastated to see their team crash out of South America’s premier club competition to a 92nd minute goal, and with this the first game on home soil since said match, the squad will be desperate to cheer them up.
Flamengo’s main focus this season will now be the league, as they look to mount another title challenge after coming third last season. Performances have been fairly solid so far, picking up a point from tricky looking games at home to Atletico Mineiro and away at Atletico PR, as well as hammering newly promoted Atletico GO 3-0. Confidence should be high coming into this local clash, given Ze Ricardo’s troops arrive as kings of the city after winning the Campeonato Carioca in pre-season.
That’s not something Botafogo will need reminding of, given they were eliminated at the semi final stage of the Carioca by Flamengo. Players and fans alike will now be itching for revenge but face an uphill battle, considering they’ve not defeated their rivals in five and have lost three of the last four in enemy territory.
You feel that “Bota” will be hard pressed to match last season’s fifth placed finished, taking into account they have lost the momentum of coming up as a newly promoted side and still remain in Libertadores action after sneaking through the groups. The squad does not have the same depth that those likely to finish around the top places have and could struggle once continental action resumes again. Nonetheless Jair Ventura’s men have made a decent opening to the season, picking up two wins from three, and for now can at least solely focus on domestic affairs.
It should be a cracking match. The stadium will be packed and the atmosphere charged. Botafogo will be gunning for revenge, but face a Flamengo outfit that has won 12 of the last 15 on home soil.
We do fancy the host to win the game, but prefer to put our money on both nets being found. 6 of Flamengo’s last 7 at home have seen goals at both ends, and having won both of the semi final legs in the Carioca by a scoreline of 2-1 that seems the most likely outcome. Back both teams to score in a 2-1 home win.
Head To Head
The sides have met on 311 occasions officially, with Flamengo holding 113 wins to Botafogo's 93. The hosts are on a 5 match unbeaten run against their rival and have already beaten them 2-1 twice this year.
Flamengo vs Botafogo Stats
Both nets have been found in 6 of Flamengo's last 7 home games. Botaogo have notched in 64.2% of their away games in 2017.
Flamengo Team News
Defender Alejandro Donatti remains out along with attacking midfielders Gabriel and Dario Cocca and winger Orlando Berrio
Botafogo Team News
Late calls will be made on midfielders Lindoso and Camilo. Right back Jonas is out, along with Marcinho and Walter Montillo. Watch Live stream free Click Here | Link 2#
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