Fluminense vs Botafogo Prediction: Fluminense has a new boss

Fluminense vs Botafogo Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on September 28, 2025

Fluminense and Botafogo will meet for another Clássico Vovô, the Grandpa Derby. Renato Gaúcho surprised everyone by deciding to leave Fluminense after the elimination from the Copa Sudamericana. The club wasted no time and appointed Luis Zubeldía, the former coach of São Paulo.

Fluminense: Form and statistics

Renato Gaúcho was doing a good job at Fluminense, where he reached the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals, and so the coach's personal decision to terminate his contract with the club was unexpected. Fluminense drew 1-1 at home with Lanús and was eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana after losing 1-0 in the first leg. Renato Gaúcho's lack of motivation is not very clear, as the Cariocas can still fight for a title, as they are in the Copa do Brasil semi-finals. Argentine Luis Zubeldía is a promising coach who will try to qualify Fluminense for the Copa Libertadores next year. Fluminense is currently in eighth place with 31 points, six points behind the G6, but the Copa do Brasil could also be a way to qualify for the most important South American competition.

Fluminense: Lineup

Igor Rabello was sent off against Vitória and is suspended.

🔖Fluminense starting lineup (4-3-3)

Fábio – Guga, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Renê – Martinelli, Hércules, Acosta – Serna, Canobbio, Everaldo

⛔️Out: Ganso (injured), Igor Rabello (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Luis Zubeldía

Botafogo: Form and statistics

In midweek, Botafogo drew 1-1 with Grêmio in Porto Alegre in a postponed Round 16 match. The Cariocas were winning thanks to a goal from Cuiabano in the 53rd minute, but let victory slip away in the final minutes. Matheus Martins was part of the wall for a Grêmio free kick and handled the ball inside the area. VAR called the referee, who ended up awarding Grêmio a penalty. Davide Ancelotti protested the decision, but to no avail. Goalkeeper Volpi converted the spot-kick to level the score. Botafogo was perhaps the better team on the pitch, but made a costly mistake. The champion is in fifth place with 40 points, two points behind Mirassol in fourth. Botafogo lost many players from last season, making it unlikely to win the Série A again, but Davide Ancelotti must prove he is the right man to lead the team next year.

Botafogo: Lineup

Chris Ramos, Marçal, and Santiago Rodríguez are back after suspension. However, Alexander Barboza and Kaio, two regular starting center-backs, are suspended. Montoro will miss the next few games because he will be representing Argentina in the FIFA U20 World Cup.

🔖Botafogo starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Léo Linck – Vitinho, David Ricardo, Gabriel Bahia, Cuiabano – Marlon Freitas, Newton – Santiago Rodríguez, Savarino, Jeffinho – Arthur Cabral

⛔️Out: Alex Telles, Mastriani, Correa, Danilo, Neto, Nathan, Bastos (injured), Alexander Barboza, Kaio (suspended), Montoro (Argentina U20)

👤Head Coach: Davide Ancelotti

Fluminense vs Botafogo: Head-to-head statistics

Fluminense holds a slight advantage in the 342 meetings with Botafogo. The Tricolor has won 123 games, while the Lone Star team has won 116. On 103 occasions, the Grandpa derby has ended in a draw. This season, the two clubs have met twice, with Botafogo winning both matches. It is worth noting that Botafogo has won the last eight games against its rival.

Fluminense vs Botafogo: Betting tips & Odds

• Botafogo has scored first in five of its last seven games. You can bet that Botafogo will be the first team to score for 2.25 at Bet365;
• The TU 2.5 bet has won 13 times in Botafogo's previous 15 away games. You can bet on a match with less than three goals scored (TU 2.5) for 1.56 at 1xBet;
• Botafogo has won all of its last eight meetings with Fluminense. You can bet on Botafogo winning for 3.16 at 1xBet.

Fluminense vs Botafogo match prediction 28 September 2025

Botafogo has won the last eight derbies against Fluminense, but a ninth consecutive victory is not a sure thing. Luis Zubeldía will make his debut as Fluminense's coach, and a change in leadership is often positive in the short term. Davide Ancelotti cannot use his two usual center-backs, which could cause instability in Botafogo's defense. I'm going to bet on a Double Chance in favor of Fluminense with a maximum of three goals scored.

Our match prediction: 1X & TU 3.5 for 1.66 at Betway.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: BTTS - Yes for 2.02 at 1xBet.

Our final betting tip on the match: Correct Score 1-1 for 6.00 at Bet365.