Palmeiras vs Atlético-MG Prediction: Palmeiras takes on a motivated opponent

Palmeiras is chasing leader Botafogo and now faces a tricky opponent who has secured qualification for the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. As the Allianz Parque is unavailable, the match will take place in Campinas. Palmeiras recently played at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa and beat Cuiabá 5-0.

The Verdão beat Vasco 1-0 on the road to record its fifth consecutive league win and is currently the team in the best form in the Brasileirão. Palmeiras has won every game since being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, showing total focus on the league as it's the only competition it can win this season. Flaco López scored the winner against Vasco and got his ninth goal in the Série A. The Argentine has been in the spotlight lately and is a serious contender to become the competition's top scorer. The Paulistas are only three points behind Botafogo, so it's feasible for them to reach the top of the table, not least because they'll host the league leader in Round 36. Against Atlético Mineiro, only victory matters.

In a thrilling game, the Rooster beat Fluminense 2-0 to qualify for the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. In the first leg, the Miners had lost 1-0 against the trophy holders but managed to turn things around with a fantastic comeback. Atlético started strongly and had several chances to score in the first half. Battaglia hit the post after a powerful shot from outside the area, and Hulk missed a penalty, allowing Fábio to save. In the 50th minute, Deyverson scored with a header to equalize the aggregate, a goal Atlético had long deserved. The game continued with the home team trying to score one more goal, and just when penalties seemed inevitable, in the 88th minute, Deyverson scored the 2-0 with a neat touch into the net after a cross from Hulk. Atlético Mineiro will now face River Plate in the semi-finals with the dream of lifting the trophy for the second time in its history. Against Palmeiras, the players will be tired but motivated. 

Palmeiras is in a great moment and is the favorite for this game. Atlético's confidence is high after qualifying for the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, but the players may be a little tired against the champion due to the midweek clash with Fluminense. I'm backing Palmeiras to win with a maximum of four goals scored in the game.