Palmeiras vs Corinthians Prediction: The Paulista Derby is more decisive for Corinthians

This centenary classic of Brazilian and Paulista football is considered one of the greatest in the world. The two clubs have met 333 times, and Palmeiras has the head-to-head advantage with 121 wins against 112 for Corinthians. There have been 100 draws, just like the last time they met. Palmeiras leads its group and has qualification virtually wrapped up, unlike its rival, which is last in Group C and needs to score as many points as possible to dream about the quarter-finals.

Flaco López has been the standout performer for Palmeiras at the start of the season, and in the last round, once again, the striker was decisive. In Endrick's return to the starting eleven, after a spell at the Olympic tournament with the Brazilian national team, López was a substitute. In the 72nd minute, with São Bernardo and Palmeiras tied at 0-0, Flaco Lópes came on for Endrick, and the Argentinian scored the winning goal in the 87th minute. The Verdão consolidated first place in group B and will play the derby with a secure lead.

Portuguese coach António Oliveira has won his first two games in charge of the Timão and has given the players a glimmer of hope of qualifying for the Paulistão quarter-finals. Corinthians must catch up with Mirassol and Inter de Limeira with four matches remaining. Oliveira seems to have given the team a new energy, but now the real test is Palmeiras, which has another Portuguese in charge. Abel Ferreira is considered the best coach in the club's history. A draw would be a morale-booster for Corinthians to try everything in the last three games of the Paulistão first phase.

This clash between the Verdão and the Timão is a classic, so any result is possible, although Palmeiras has a superior team. It will also be a curious duel between two Portuguese coaches, both of them tactically rigorous. The home team is the favorite, but I will bet on a total score below 2.5 to try to cover several outcomes.