Botafogo vs Palmeiras

Palmeiras arrive in Rio as Serie A's runaway leaders, sitting top on 51 points from 24 games, while hosts Botafogo are 11th on 30, still hunting a return to the continental qualification places. For Botafogo, three points at home would be a timely statement; for Palmeiras, it's another step toward the title. Botafogo have looked shaky lately, losing 2-3 at home to Athletico Paranaense either side of draws with Vitória and Fluminense, though Arthur Cabral and Danilo Oliveira have each hit seven league goals this season. Palmeiras have been similarly streaky — a 4-1 demolition of Vasco da Gama followed by defeat at Fluminense — but Flaco López remains in fine form alongside Vitor Roque. Palmeiras hold the historical edge in this fixture, with 19 wins from 42 meetings since 2004 to Botafogo's 12. Expect a tight, tactical battle in Rio with the visitors' quality edging it late. Our prediction: 1-2