Palmeiras have a great record in the Brazilian Serie A and have won the title a total of 9 times, with their latest success coming in 2016. They had to wait 22 years between their 8th title and 9th title and will not want to have such a long gap before making it into double figures. However, if they are to have any chance of doing that this season, they need to win this match against Ponte Preta. Ponte Preta are the second oldest football team still playing in Brazil but they have never won the Serie A title. They are currently battling to avoid relegation this season.
Brazil Serie A – Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo – Friday 20nd October 2017 – 23:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 3 at Ladbrokes |
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Palmeiras SP
Ponte PretaPalmeiras Form
Palmeiras come into this match on the back of a 3-1 away win at bottom of the table Atletico GO on the weekend. This was their third win in their last 5 league games and they have lost only 1 of their previous 7 in Serie A. A win in this match for Palmeiras could see them climb as high as second place in the table. However, they have been inconsistent at home of late, winning 2. Losing 2 and drawing 1 of their last 5 league games. Palmeiras have kept 2 cleans sheets in their last 9 home Serie A games.
Ponte Preta Form
Ponte Preta start his match in 17th place in the league table and currently occupy the final relegation spot. They have won only 8 of their 28 games this season, losing 12 and need to start picking up some points quickly if they are to move away from the danger zone. However, to do that, Ponte Preta will need to change their form quickly as they have been struggling to pick up wins. Trends show they have won only 3 of their last 14 Serie A games, which is relegation form.
Thankfully, 2 of those 3 wins have come in their last 5 games, which gives them something on which to build. The bad news is that away from home, they have won just 1 match in the league all season.
Team News
Palmeiras will be without central defender Yerry Mina who joins both Arouca and Jailson on the treatment table. There is also a doubt over the fitness of winger Keno. Ponte Preta have problems of their own and Luan Peres and Fernando Bob are both suspended for this match. Nino Paraiba, Artur, Jadson and Renato Caja are all injured, meaning the visitors are travelling without several players.
Top Betting Tips
Given the form of Ponte Preta, which has seen them struggle away from home for much of the season, it is difficult to look beyond a home win in this match. Palmeiras are 1/2 with Ladbrokes to take maximum points. Ponte Preta have conceded plenty of goals when playing on the road and allowed 2 or more goals in 18 of their last 26 away matches. You can get 3/4 with Coral for Palmeiras to score 2 or more goals in this game. Willian has scored 7 league goals this season, including 2 in his last two games and can be backed at 5/1 with Ladbrokes to open the scoring.