Palmeiras vs Mirassol Prediction: Palmeiras wants to get back to winning ways

After a surprising draw against nine-man rival Corinthians, all that's left for Palmeiras to do is beat Mirassol to overcome the Derby Paulista disappointment. The lead and qualification for the quarter-finals are not in doubt, not least because Palmeiras has a game in hand against Portuguesa, but victory is vital to restore confidence to the team and the fans.

Leading 2-0 at home, Palmeiras allowed Corinthians to reduce the gap to 2-1 in the 87th minute. Practically on the following play, Cassio, the Timão goalkeeper, was sent off, and shortly after, Yuri Alberto had to come off injured, leaving Corinthians with just nine players and one field player in goal. Against all the odds, from a direct free kick, Garro pulled off a miracle in the tenth minute of added time to give his team a draw. Palmeiras controlled the whole game but was surprised by a dismantled rival in the final minutes. It was a tough blow for the Verdão, which must win and play well against Mirassol.

The Lion is second in group C, the most balanced in the Paulistão. RB Bragantino leads the way with 15 points, Mirassol has 14, Inter de Limeira has 13 with a game in hand, and Corinthians is at the bottom with 10 points but still in with a chance with three rounds to go. Any point for Mirassol at Palmeiras' ground would be excellent, but it won't be easy, given the difference between the two teams and because the Verdão wants to redeem itself. Coach Mozart, who spent his career as a player in Europe, transmits a lot of confidence to his team, which has so far scored in every Paulistão match and drawn with teams like São Paulo and Santos.

Palmeiras is the favorite, but the players should be very focused, or they could be in trouble. Mirassol has scored in every Paulistão match and is fighting to reach the quarter-finals. I'm betting on the home team to win, adding a maximum limit of 4 goals to raise the odds.