Botafogo's recent results hide more attacking work than the scorelines suggest. Tite has now had a long training stretch to shape the side, with Montoro working centrally and Ziyech set for a more advanced role. Vasco's run has substance, but the absence of Andrés Gómez changes the outlet that has driven much of their attack.
Botafogo took 32 shots and produced 2.75 xG in the defeat to Athletico, then had 21 shots and 1.39 xG in the draw with Bragantino. Those performances give the new attacking setup something to build on at the Nilton Santos.
Pedro Emanuel has made Vasco harder to break down with a deeper defensive line and a three-man midfield. Their comeback at Grêmio and emphatic win over Coritiba showed genuine attacking progress. This derby meets them without Gómez, their leading shooter, while Carlos Cuesta is also expected to miss out in central defence.
