Botafogo and Inter face each other at Nilton Santos with their focus divided between the Brasileirão and the Libertadores

Botafogo and Internacional face each other this Sunday (11), at 8pm (Brasília time), at the Nilton Santos stadium, for the 8th round of the Brazilian Championship . Amidst the dispute for positions in the table, the two teams are facing the dilemma of seeking the three points and preserving athletes with a view to the decisive commitments next week in the Libertadores.

The Rio de Janeiro team will face Estudiantes on Wednesday, also at Nilton Santos, while the Rio Grande do Sul team will travel to Uruguay to face Nacional on Thursday. With that, the expectation is that both teams will take to the field with mixed formations this Sunday.

Botafogo, in addition to the concern about physical exhaustion, has injuries that influence coach Renato Paiva's choices. The good news, however, is the possible return of Uruguayan midfielder Santi Rodríguez, who returned to training after recovering from a trauma to his left leg. Out since April 12, he should at least be included in the squad for the match.

On the Colorado side, the situation also requires caution. Valencia suffered a muscle injury in the 3-1 defeat to Atlético Nacional and is out of the game. Borré, who is recovering from a similar problem, will be prepared for the Libertadores. Therefore, coach Roger Machado should field an attacking team entirely with reserves.

Wesley, the only starting striker in good physical condition, should be rested to avoid risks. With that, Lucca and Ricardo Mathias will compete for a place among the starters. In midfield, Fernando and Alan Patrick should also start on the bench.

The clash promises to be balanced, but the focus of both sides seems to be on continental commitments.