Botafogo FR

Botafogo had a season run in their return to top flight, last season. More important than the mid-table position by the end of the campaign were the signs that coach Luís Castro is building a solid side, with ideas and good organization for the future. Fogão has been having an irregular year, having finished the regular season of Carioca Championship with 6 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats. In continental competition, Botafogo started Sul-Americana with an away draw in Chile. Luís Castro was given a lot of freedom on his first season, but fans and board should be much more demanding in 2023. Luís Castro's competence is unquestionable, even if it's questionable if he will be able to motivate his team for a more disciplined and organized season. While adaptative, Castro usually sets up a 4-3-3 for his teams. di Placido was brought in to improve the right-back position. Promising winger Carlos Alberto arrived from América where he wasn't yet an established player. Rai, from the youth squad, is a hot prospect in midfield. The biggest "new signing" is Gustavo Sauer, who is returning from big injury, this year. Adryelson is a rock solid defender and Marçal, despite being 34, is a highly reliable left-back. The midfield is the strongest area of Botafogo's game, with Tchê Tchê, Carlos Eduardo and Lucas Fernandes forming a very strong trio. Tiquinho Soares is the absolute reference in attack. Once a club's star and fans' favourite, Gatito was a weak link last season and he shouldn't get any better now with 35. Lucas Perri has been his replacement during current injury, but it's questionable that he has the quality to match with the rest of the XI. Lucas Fernandes' constant injuries are also a problem. Aforementioned Tiquinho, Lucas Fernandes and Eduardo are the team's best units, at the moment, but there are still high hopes for the talented Patrick de Paula and Matheus Nascimento to finally step up and live up to their potential.