Palmeiras vs Chapecoense Predictions

Thursday’s Brazilian Serie A action sees Palmeiras doing battle with Chapecoense at Allianz Parque. The hosts arrive as massive favourites to win but it’s not likely to be a thrilling encounter.

Whilst ending a winless run of 3 matches was all that really mattered for Palmeiras in their 1-0 win over Botafogo at the weekend, it’s fair to say their performance didn’t go down well with fans. Indeed, despite being 2nd in Serie A, Verdao haven’t really turned many heads with their performances and their narrow win last time out was just yet another example of conservative football that the fans are finding tough to watch.

Some 8 points behind leaders Flamengo, Palmeiras need to keep winning and as such, substance over style is the requirement and we aren’t likely to see them switch from their usual way of playing, despite pressure from the stands. Nonetheless, however they go about it, the side can be confident of claiming all 3 points on Thursday, given they’ve now won 22 of their last 25 home league matches.

Meanwhile, Chapecoense are really struggling and relegation to Serie B looks a near certainty. The side have done well to avoid being a part of the bottom four over the last couple of years but came into the campaign as one of the weakest sides on paper and have done little to disprove that.

Rock bottom and 10 points adrift of safety, Chapecoense need a miracle and without a win 10 matches; one doesn’t look forthcoming. A last minute equaliser against fellow strugglers Cruzeiro at the weekend at least has a degree of positive morale back in the camp but with just 16 points to their name from 25 matches, it’s clear the team really isn’t cut out for this level and a trip to Palmeiras is one to be feared.

Ultimately, although they’ll probably drag it out as usual and play with little intensity, Palmeiras shouldn’t be having any issues in winning this game. Man for man, they are stronger than Chapecoense all over the pitch and the visitors arrive in a truly desperate state.

That’s reflected in the odds on offer but we do feel good value can be found in backing a home win in combination with under 2.5 goals. Palmeiras’ last 4 games have all featured 2 goals or less and with Chapecoense’s last 5 on the road having done the same, we can’t see Thursday’s affair having too much action and fancy Palmeiras to grind out a 2-0 margin of victory.