Fortaleza vs. Botafogo (Thursday, 10.00pm)
© Reuters
Title hopefuls Botafogo will look to return to winning ways and climb back to the top of the Brasileiro table when they travel to Estadio Castelao to face Fortaleza on Thursday.
The hosts, meanwhile, are also seeking to end a long winless run as they endeavour to propel themselves into the top half of the table.
We say: Fortaleza 1-2 Botafogo
Both Fortaleza and Botafogo are desperate to return to winning ways and can ill-afford to drop more points if they wish to meet their respective targets as the season draws to a close.
Botafogo have fared better in recent meetings with Fortaleza and we believe that the visitors will have the edge in the final third to help them claim all three points and climb to the Brasileiro summit.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Flamengo vs. Bragantino (Friday, 12.30am)
© Reuters
Flamengo and Bragantino return to Brasileiro action following the international break when they meet at the Maracana on Thursday.
Just two days after Brazil hosted Argentina here, there will be another grudge match at this venue, with both sides optimistic of putting up a late title charge.
We say: Flamengo 1-1 Bragantino
No team in the division has picked up more points than Bragantino's tally of 27 in the last 13 matches, and a draw would be much more favourable to the visitors, even if they would prefer all three.
Flamengo have proved themselves as being capable of taking on the top sides in the league over the past few weeks, but this will be a difficult test and an underwhelming draw may be on the cards.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Ben Knapton
