Santo André vs Palmeiras Prediction: Palmeiras faces the last-placed team

Even though the Paulistão is divided into four groups of four teams, where the top two from each group qualify for the next stage, the two lowest-scoring sides out of all 16 are relegated. Santo André is the team that has scored the fewest number of points so far, with only two points, so Palmeiras is the clear favorite to win.

The Ramalhão is in a relegation position, and besides occupying last place in Group A, it's also the team with the lowest number of points of all the Paulistão contenders. However, even with just two points, Santo André can still qualify for the knockout stage as Ituano, the team in second place in the same group, has four points. Santo André has yet to win a game and looks unlikely to do so against the Brazilian champion, but a draw would be like a great victory.

After a hard-to-digest defeat against rival São Paulo in the Supercopa do Brasil final, the Verdão beat Ituano 2-0 at home to return to victories. Flaco López and Rony scored the goals in a game dominated by Palmeiras. Abel Ferreira's side remains top of Group B with thirteen points and one game in hand. The group has good teams such as Ponte Preta, Água Santa, and Guarani, so after a draw in Round 1 against Novorizontino, Palmeiras has been playing with a lot of focus, winning the following four Campeonato Paulista matches. Against Santo André, the two-time Brazilian and Paulista champion, will be looking to continue its winning streak in the competition.

Palmeiras is the overwhelming favorite in this match. Santo André is the team with the fewest points in the competition and is in a relegation position. I'm betting on the Verdão winning without conceding any goal.