Palmeiras v Bragantino

Palmeiras have had a poor start to their 2022 Brazilian Serie A campaign, with only one win in five and it was that type of form which stopped them from challenging for the league title last season. Whilst it’s still early days, they have plenty of time to change things, but they’re going to have to do it sooner rather than later. Their last league match, saw them host Fluminense at the magnificent Allianz Parque. It was the away side who had the first decent chance of the game when, Nathan, on loan from champions Atletico Mineiro, forced Brazilian international Weverton into making a save following a well-worked Flu corner. Moments later, Palmeiras thought they should have had a penalty when Rony was brought down by Flu goalkeeper Fabio, but the referee deemed it not to be a foul. After the half time interval, Flu went close through German Cano, whose effort from outside the box whistled past the post. Palmeiras should have taken the lead through Dudu, but Fabio made a magnificent save to deny the attacker, however, just six minutes after making the save, Fabio would be picking the ball from out of his net after a cross fizzed in from Gustavo Scarpa saw Dudu tap in from close range. Unfortunately for Abel Ferreira’s men they couldn’t hang onto their lead and a lovely turn of pace from Caio Paulista helped set up Cano, to ensure Fluminense didn’t leave São Paulo empty-handed.

With an XG of (2.10) compared to their opponents (0.90), Palmeiras will feel disappointed that they couldn’t pick up the three points, which has been a theme throughout their campaign so far as Verdão sit second in terms of expected goals in the Brazilian Serie A with (10.30) but have only found the net on seven occasions. They simply must start taking their chances.

Their opponents are fellow Paulista state side, Red Bull Bragantino, who haven’t won in their last three matches in all competitions. Despite this, they sit in fifth position in the league and are three points above Palmeiras. At the weekend, Bragantino suffered a 1-0 home loss to Corinthians. Then in midweek they earned a point at home against champions Atletico Mineiro. Bragantino were lucky to get a point as Atletico dominated for much of the game.

The last meeting between these sides saw Palmeiras enjoy a 2-1 victory in the Paulista state championship back in March and despite their below-par league form, Palmeiras will be hopeful of picking up their second win of the season here.

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Atletico MG v Atletico GO

Atlético Mineiro are without a victory in their last three league games and will be desperate to improve their form. At the weekend, they suffered a shock 2-1 loss to state rivals, America Mineiro. Last season, Atletico only dropped points in two home league games and this season they have already equalled that in just three games. In midweek, Antonio Mohamed’s men took on Bragantino away from home and found themselves a goal down early on after a goal from Ytalo. Galo got back on level terms in the 66th minute after a lovely free kick from Ignacio Fernández. Forward Eduardo Sasha had a great chance late on to give Atletico the lead, but instead headed over and they had to settle for a point. With an XG of (11.7) for the season so far, Galo will be eager to improve going forward as they look to emulate last season’s success. They will come into this game confident they can get back to winning ways against an Atletico Goianiense who have been out of touch.

Atlético Goianiense had a weekend to forget as they hosted rivals Goias in a game they were expected to win. From the get-go, Atletico-GO were on the backfoot when Elvis put Goias 1-0 up in the opening minute of the match. Dragão were offered a lifeline back into the game when Henrique Lordelo was shown a second yellow card just 24 minutes in, but after creating 33 chances in the match, they failed to find a way past Goias shot stopper Tadeu, despite having an XG of (3.22.). Atlético GO are one of three teams yet to win a game this season and with a trip to the 2022 Brazilian Serie A champions on the horizon, it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon. 

When the sides met last season, home advantage was important in both games. Galo enjoyed a 4-1 victory at the Arena MRV and Dragão won the reverse fixture 2-1.

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Avai v Juventude

Newly promoted Avai have had a wonderful start to life in the Brazilian topflight. After three wins, one loss and one draw, they sit third in the table and although it’s early days, they can be pleased with how they are performing. Avai are unbeaten in their last three games following victories over: Goias and Coritiba, as well as a draw with Internacional away from home. Their last outing, saw them host Coritiba on Monday evening. The first half saw very few chances, but in the second half, Coritiba took an early lead thanks to Igor Paixao who fired in from close range. Moments later, Muriqui was brought down in the box and referee Jefferson Ferreira pointed to the spot. Guilherme Bissoli calmly sent the keeper the wrong way and put Avai on level terms. With 17 minutes of normal time on the clock, rolls were reversed, as Bissoli was brought down in the box and captain Muriqui fired home to give Avai a 2-1 victory. 

Juventude come into this meeting in poor form, they are without a victory in their last seven games in all competitions and in midweek, Juve suffered a 2-0 loss, eliminating them from the Copa do Brasil. Their last league excursion saw them draw 1-1 with Internacional at home. Their three previous trips on the road have seen them fail to register an XG of above (1.0). 

Avai have looked strong at home this season and with Juve struggling, the hosts will be expecting a comfortable evening. Their possession-based game plan should pay off here as they look to exploit Juventude’s weakness of allowing several chances at their goal. 

The last meeting between the pair was in January 2021 whilst the pair were in Serie B and on that occasion, Avai routed to a 5-2 win in an epic seven-goal thriller.

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