Botafogo, flying high after continental and domestic success, are favourites to come out on top against Pachuca in Wednesday's FIFA Intercontinental Cup second-round match at Stadium 974.
The Brazilian side are undefeated in eight matches in all competitions heading into the Derby of the Americas and aim to extend that sequence against the CONCACAF Champions Cup winners.
Match preview
© Imago
The ticker tape from clinching their first-ever Copa Libertadores was barely out before Botafogo ended a 29-year wait for top-flight success at the weekend, securing their first Brasileiro crown since 1995.
Keen to retain motivation for a possible final with Real Madrid, Artur Jorge's men aim to refocus to avoid a shock exit to their Mexican opponents on Wednesday.
That eventuality is far from certain for the three-time Brazilian champions, who must still defeat African champions Al Ahly in the playoff round if they get past Pachuca.
Fogo enter the Derby of the Americas in fine fettle, highlighted by an eight-match undefeated run in all competitions, with the only defeat in that period coming in the Libertadores semi-final second leg at Penarol (1-3), having won the first fixture in Rio de Janeiro 5-0.
That loss is the only one suffered by Jorge's men since early August, a 3-2 league defeat by Juventude, and they will back themselves to avoid losing for the ninth match running against out-of-form opponents.
© Imago
Pachuca's disappointing results make them the undoubted underdog against the Brazilian champions, with Guillermo Almada's men claiming one victory in eight Apertura matches since the end of September, a 6-2 win over Necaxa at the start of November, and two triumphs in 15 in all competitions since the beginning of August.
Particularly worrying for the CONCACAF champions is their inability to keep clean sheets, with Tuzos unable to prevent their opponent from scoring in 17 consecutive matches.
The Mexican side last avoided conceding against Atletico San Luis in mid-July, following a goalless game with Leon and amid a run that saw them keep their opponents from scoring in three in four, only for the wheels to come off at both ends for Almada's men.
Pachuca may have secured wins over Philadelphia Union (6-0 on aggregate), Herediano (7-1), Club America (3-2) and Columbus Crew (3-0) in the last 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup to secure their place in the Intercontinental Cup and next year's revamped 32-team Club World Cup, but a wretched run entering the former leaves the Mexican side at a disadvantage against O Glorioso on Wednesday.
Team News
© Imago
Bastos missed Botafogo's end of the league season due to a muscle injury, and the centre-back could be joined by Matheus Nascimento, Pablo (both have hamstring problems) and Vitinho (knee).
Jefferson Savarino, Igor Jesus and Libertadores hero Luiz Henrique all netted four match-winning goals in the triumphant top-flight campaign — only Pablo Vegetti, Pedro and Jose Manuel Lopez (five) — and the trio aim to be decisive against struggling opponents.
Pachuca will assess Gustavo Cabral before Wednesday's match, although the Mexican side are anticipated to play without Israel Luna and Andres Micolta.
Despite failing to score since a hat-trick in the 6-2 win over Necaxa in November, veteran striker Salomon Rondon should lead the attack for Almada's side, keen to make a telling impact against the Libertadores champions.
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
John; Ponte, Adryelson, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Freitas; Henrique, Savarinho, Almada; Jesus
Pachuca possible starting lineup:
Moreno; Sanchez, Barreto, Patino, Gonzalez; Pedraza, Montiel; Deossa, Gonzalez, Idrissi; Rondon
We say: Botafogo 3-1 Pachuca
While Wednesday presents Pachuca with an opportunity to stun a Botafogo side riding high after recent successes, O Glorioso are not only a superior side but also enter this Derby of the Americas match in healthier form.
Thus, the Brazilian side should seal a comfortable win to book a playoff place with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
