Macaé vs Duque de Caxias - Carioca - 2

There is a notable edge to this Carioca - 2 fixture. When Macaé meet Duque de Caxias at the home ground on October 24, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. Manchester City face the K-League All-Stars in Seoul on Wednesday as part of their pre-season tour of Asia.

In the Carioca - 2 table, Macaé currently occupy 5th and Duque de Caxias sit 1st, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — WL across their last five with a win rate of 50% — and they will want to push on from here. On the road, Duque de Caxias have been equally impressive — W in their last five and a win rate of 100% for the campaign. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Macaé average 1 per game to Duque de Caxias's 3.5, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Despite his age, and recent injury record, Rodri remains the most complete central midfielder to have operated in the Premier League over the past five years.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Macaé will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Duque de Caxias must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United 'are not proceeding' with a move for the Brighton midfielder.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Fussball News claim that City have already held 'exploratory talks' over a deal and are willing to spend around €100 million (£85 million) on the midfielder.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by Macaé, the weight of evidence favours Duque de Caxias — a 1-4 away win is the call. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".