Vasco’s recent surge has substance, but Botafogo’s defeat at Mirassol came before Tite had a full break to work with the squad. Botafogo looked more threatening after Ziyech entered that game. With Montoro training in a more central role and Matheus Martins returning, there is a clearer link from midfield to attack. I expect that change to matter in this derby.
Vasco earned its big win over Coritiba by moving the ball quickly through Lescano, Sosa and Colidio. The same group also found a way to win away at Grêmio through transitions. Andrés Gómez, who helped supply the attack against Coritiba, is suspended for this match, with Marino Hinestroza expected on that side.
Botafogo’s first half at Mirassol featured slow transitions and forced crosses. After Ziyech came on, his pass helped Medina get into the box, showing the combination Tite has since spent the break working on. The reported plan puts Ziyech on the right, Montoro closer to the centre and Matheus Martins alongside Arthur Cabral.
