In search of returning to the top of the Brasileirão, Flamengo takes to the field this Wednesday (15) to face Botafogo, at 19:30 pm, for the 28th round of the Brasileirão. Rubro-Negro comes from a defeat to Bahia, away from home, and wants a victory in the classic to stay alive in the dispute for the national title. 

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Coach Filipe Luís had the week off to prepare the team for the derby. It's worth noting that the Rubro-Negro, for the first time this season, didn't have any players called up for the October FIFA international. The good news is Erick Pulgar's return to the squad. The Chilean was out for more than three months due to foot surgery and is once again an option in midfield. 

On the other hand, the red-and-black manager is expected to be without Allan, De La Cruz, and Saúl. The former is treating plantar fasciitis, the latter may be rested due to the artificial turf, and the third still has ankle pain. Alex Sandro and Léo Pereira return to the team after serving yellow card suspensions. 

Retrospect

Flamengo and Botafogo have faced each other 396 times in history, with the Gávea club having the advantage. Flamengo has won 149 matches, drawn 127, and lost 120. In the first round of the Brasileirão, the teams drew 0-0 at Maracanã. 

If he takes the field today, Pedro will complete 300 games wearing the Sacred Mantle. In 299 matches, the striker has recorded 186 wins, 60 draws, and 53 losses, scoring 150 goals and providing 35 assists. He has already won 12 titles with Mengão and is the eighth-highest scorer in the club's history. 

Arbitration

Referee: Alex Gomes Stefano (RJ)
Assistants: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa (RJ) and Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos (PR)
VAR: Rodolpho Toski Marques (PR).