Palmeiras vs Cuiaba – With almost 60% of the ball in losses to Athletico Paranaense (2-0) and draws against Fortaleza (0-0), they may be off due to the unusually high level of possession, but they have not been attacking with the same confidence.
As their rapid counterattacking style continues to trouble defending lines, Verdao have not been short of opportunities.
They have failed to score in their last two league games despite having 12 shots on target and making good decisions in the last third of the field in their last two league games.
The dilemma they will be facing on Monday when they take on a team that has only kept two clean sheets away from home in league action this year is a trend this team hasn’t experienced in the past two and a half seasons under Abel Ferreira.
After losing to their fiercest rivals Sao Paulo in a penalty shootout and being eliminated from the Copa do Brasil earlier this week, Palestra is likely to be in a bad mood going into this game (4-3).
They were 20 minutes away from advancing to the quarterfinals in that match, winning 2-1 but being tied on aggregate after losing the first game (1-0), before losing in a shootout, so holding onto a lead was unusually difficult for them.
Palmeiras vs Cuiaba – Betting Analysis
With two mistakes, Palmeiras have significantly increased the interest in the race for top place in the league, but knowing there is limited space for error should prompt them to tighten up defensively and become less passive in the attack.
Although they have not demonstrated the ability to keep much pressure in the final third, Cuiaba have done well to move up from near the bottom of the standings. However, defending a team of Palestra’s calibre won’t be as simple as it was against their past two opponents.
Palmeiras vs Cuiaba – Head-to-Head
Our Prediction: Home to win
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