Though he’s nearing his departure from the club, Estêvão is still Palmeiras’ most gifted player, and the team’s most dangerous attacking moves continue to flow through him. Unlike many young talents, he’s already made a name for himself with his long-range shooting, having scored multiple goals from distance.

This strength has been amplified by a recent tactical shift. Coach Abel Ferreira has started assigning the right flank to players like Felipe Anderson, giving Estêvão more freedom in central areas, closer to goal. At times, he’s operated like a number 10 in a 3-4-2-1 setup. Even in a more conventional 4-2-3-1, he enjoys a roaming role with plenty of license to create.

In the tournament opener against Porto, Estêvão took three shots, one of which was on target. Against Al-Ahly, he wasn’t quite as accurate, though two of his misses came very close.

In the Brazilian league, he averages 1.7 shots per match. While his on-target rate is just 0.2, that doesn’t reflect the quality of his attempts—his xG stands at 1.25. In the Copa Libertadores, his numbers are even more impressive: 3.0 shots per game, 1.8 on target, and a total xG of 3.32.

Even though Inter Miami are likely to focus their defensive attention on him, Estêvão has shown he can rise to the occasion. He’s held his own against both Porto and Al-Ahly—not necessarily standout performances, but solid showings nonetheless. In a squad full of talent, the young star preparing to say goodbye still shines the brightest.

In a team where Lionel Messi naturally commands most of the attention, it’s not easy for others to shine, but goalkeeper Óscar Ustari has managed to do just that in the Club World Cup.

The Argentine veteran made an immediate impact by saving a penalty in the opener against Al-Ahly, capping off a standout performance with 8 saves. In the next match against Porto, he was called into action just once, not due to any drop in form, but simply because Porto struggled to threaten, managing only three shots on target.

Even before the tournament, Ustari had been in solid form in MLS, averaging 2.9 saves per game and recording three or more saves in three of his last five appearances. At 38, he continues to show that he thrives under pressure, something he’ll likely face plenty of against Palmeiras.

The Brazilian side has averaged 14 shots per match in this competition, closely mirroring their 13.7-shot average in the domestic league. With a deep, talented squad led by a strong starting XI and supported by impactful bench players like Paulinho, Palmeiras are expected to be Inter Miami’s toughest test yet.

Whether it’s down to Palmeiras’ attacking threat or Ustari’s sharp recent form, all signs point to the Inter Miami keeper being busy once again, and based on what we’ve seen, he’s more than capable of rising to the challenge.

Palmeiras and Inter Miami technically only need a draw to progress, but it’s hard to see either side playing for one. The risk that a single goal could flip the group standings is too great, and both teams are likely to approach this match with full intensity.

With attacking stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Estêvão, and Vitor Roque on the pitch, a moment of brilliance or even a stroke of luck could produce a goal at any time. Both sides have found the net twice in the tournament so far, and while they opened with 0-0 draws, their performances hinted at more scoring potential.

Inter Miami are averaging ten shots per game, with 5.5 on target, while Palmeiras are getting off 14 shots per match, though with a lower accuracy, just three on target. Miami have created higher-quality chances; Palmeiras have generated them in greater volume. What’s clear is that both teams are attacking-minded, and that’s exposed some defensive cracks.

Looking at Miami’s matches, Al-Ahly registered 11 shots (eight on target) and would’ve scored if not for a missed penalty. Against Porto, Miami conceded 14 attempts, with three on target. Palmeiras have been slightly more disciplined but still allowed Porto 11 shots (three on target) and Al-Ahly eight (two on target).

With the top spot in the group on the line, and with so much attacking talent on both sides, it’s unlikely either team will sit back. All signs point to an open, competitive match where goals are more than just possible, they’re expected.

Of the four teams in Group A, Palmeiras have arguably played the most complete and consistent football so far, meaning Inter Miami are yet to face their toughest test. Despite that, the Americans have already shown a tendency toward physical play. In their opener against Al-Ahly, they committed ten fouls and picked up two yellow cards, plus two more for dissent, a sign of the emotional edge that could intensify in a high-stakes match like this.

Against Porto, Inter Miami surprisingly escaped without a single card, despite committing 13 fouls. That was more a reflection of the referee’s leniency than their discipline. Cristian Garay, who handled that match, averages 4.35 cards per game, almost identical to the 4.32 average of Szymon Marciniak, who will be officiating the clash with Palmeiras.

Palmeiras’ matches have been more card-heavy. They've committed 36 fouls and suffered 26 across two games. Their opener saw four yellow cards, while the second escalated to seven total, Porto were booked twice, Al-Ahly three times, all for fouls. In both cases, Palmeiras’ pace and pressure forced opponents into reckless challenges.

This match is expected to be physical, with cards likely. However, Palmeiras may try to manage their aggression more carefully, six of their players are just one booking away from suspension. That puts the spotlight on Inter Miami, who are more likely to rack up the cautions, especially if they struggle to contain Palmeiras’ attacking flow.

It’s also worth noting that in MLS, Inter Miami average 2.4 yellow cards per match and have already seen three red cards in 16 league gamesm numbers that suggest discipline could again be an issue in this decisive group clash.