Round 22

Botafogo's on a roll, and Fluminense can't find the back of the net — this Rio derby's got a big talent gap right now. 🔥 The home side's won three of their last five, while the visitors have drawn four straight and lost to Vasco twice. That's a pretty wild swing in momentum.

Botafogo's defence has been solid, but they're missing J. Santos and K. Pantaleão to injury. Fluminense are dealing with a way bigger injury crisis — A. Carlos, John Kennedy, J. Freytes, J. Millán, and T. Silva are all out. That's brutal depth-wise.

Key storylines:

• Botafogo looking to build on three wins in five and push for the title race with a statement win at home
• Fluminense struggling badly for goals (one in last five) and down half their squad — they'll be desperate to break the draw streak
• Head-to-head tells the story: Botafogo leads 5–4 over the last decade, and they've got the clear edge here

Expected lineups:

• Botafogo: Raúl, A. Telles, G. Justino, Ythallo, Vitinho, K. Toledo, L. Villalba, M. Martins, D. Santos, K. Barría, L. Emanuel
• Fluminense: Fábio, Guga, Ignácio, S. Xavier, J. Fidelis, Martinelli, K. Serna, G. Cano, Nonato, K. Samuel, João Neto

Prediction:

Botafogo 2–0 Fluminense. Home side's in better shape and Fluminense can't score — this should be a comfortable night at Nilton Santos. 🎯