The two teams will have different priorities when they meet in Sunday’s clássico.
Fluminense will be at full strength as they look to retake top spot in the Campeonato Carioca.
Botafogo, in contrast, are likely to field a team of reserves as they continue to prioritise the Copa Libertadores.
Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho has not given any hints as to the team he expects to field but it is likely to remain unchanged from the victory against Macaé on Wednesday.
“The fans need to understand that the game won’t be easy. Botafogo have a great squad and all the players know what they’re doing. We have to respect our opponent and dedicate ourselves to obtaining the victory.”
For Eduardo Hungaro’s Botafogo, however, the priority lies with the Copa Libertadores in which the Alvinegro will face Unión Española in Chile on Wednesday.
Hungaro disputed suggestions that the team he is likely to field is a ‘reserve’ team.
“If you look at Sunday’s team – Lucas, Junior Cesar, Bolatti, Renato – they are all players equal to the level of players that Fluminense have.”
