In the early hours of Monday, Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama go head-to-head at Allianz Parque in the Brazilian Serie A.
Palmeiras form guideThe home team are on something of a roll of late, as they have recorded three consecutive wins in all competitions, having also gone four games without defeat.
A key factor in Abel Ferreira’s team’s recent good form has been a rock-solid defence, as a 4-0 win over Colombian outfit Deportivo Pereira last time out means that the home team has now kept four consecutive clean sheets.
Their recent good results have kept Palmeiras in second place in the Serie A table, although they are 11 points adrift of league leaders Botafogo.
Palmeiras have been tough to beat at Allianz Parque, as they have lost just one of their previous 20 home games in Serie A. The decent run includes three wins in their last five home matches in the Brazilian top flight.
Vasco da Gama form guideThe visitor's Serie A campaign has not been going well so far this season, as they currently sit 18th place in the Serie A table, five points from the safety of 16th-place Bahia, who have played an extra game.
Despite their lowly position in the league table, Vasco heads into this clash on the back of a decent recent run, as the visitors are unbeaten in three league games, having recorded two wins and a draw.
One of Vasco’s achilles heels this season has been their away form, as they have failed to win any of their previous eight matches on their travels in the Brazilian top flight. That run includes losing five of their last six away games in Serie A while conceding at least two goals in each away defeat.
What am I backing?Both teams head into this clash in decent recent form. However, I am backing the home win due to Palmeiras' solid home form and Vasco’s struggles on their travels.
