Flamengo vs Botafogo

Flamengo host Botafogo in a Rio derby with real title implications. Flamengo sit second on 45 points, a game in hand on leaders Palmeiras, while Botafogo languish in 12th on 22, just clear of the relegation zone. Flamengo arrive red-hot after thrashing Mirassol 5-1, with a brace from Pedro leading the way. Botafogo's form is shakier: winless in two league games and hammered in the Copa Sudamericana, results that cost coach Franclim Carvalho his job, with Rodrigo Bellao now in interim charge. Their main threat is Arthur Cabral, the club's joint top scorer. History favors Flamengo heavily, and this season's earlier meeting already ended 3-0 in their favor. Flamengo's form, depth and title push make them clear favorites at home. Our prediction: 3-1