Reigning Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras will welcome fellow Brazilian giants Santos on Sunday evening looking to maintain their place in the Serie A top two.
Losers just once so far this season, Palmeiras have begun the campaign in strong form, whereas opponents Santos have endured an indifferent start to the season.
Match preview
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Having picked up 11 points from their opening seven games in the league, Santos' position in sixth marks a decent enough start, especially considering that they finished last season outside of the Copa Libertadores positions.
A 10th-placed finish last time around meant Santos were condemned to the Copa Sudamericana group stages, with the Alvinegro targeting a return to South America's most premier competition.
Three victories, two defeats and two draws to start the season has represented a steady start for Santos, who have failed to score just once in Serie A this season.
While Palmeiras will represent one of their toughest tests this season, Santos' record as the best-ranked home side in Serie A this year will inspire the Alvinegro heading into Sunday's clash.
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For Palmeiras, their tag as one of South America's strongest outfits looks set to continue for another season having lifted the Libertadores last year.
Sitting second in Serie A, just two points behind Corinthians heading into the weekend, title-chasing Palmeiras will not be frightened by Santos' strong start at home.
Although, there may be some concern among the Palmeiras ranks about their away form this year, as their recent win against Juventude was their first on the road so far.
Draws against Goias and then Flamengo before that had punctuated an otherwise healthy start to the campaign, with Palmeiras eyeing up their second victory away from home this weekend.
History suggests that the Verdao have every right to be confident of picking up a win this weekend, as they are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Santos.
A run that includes five straight victories across all competitions, Palmeiras will be looking to back up their 1-0 win over Santos in the Campeonato Paulista earlier this year with another triumph on Sunday.
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Team News
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While they may have enjoyed a strong start to the Serie A campaign on the pitch, the physios have been forced to endure a torrid time off it, with six first-team players out missing for Palmeiras.
Gabriel Veron and Joaquin Piquerez are currently both suffering with muscle problems, but should be in line for a return before the end of the month.
A similar fate has struck Luan, but the defender is hopeful to be back within the squad in the next week or so.
The same cannot be said for either of Mayke or Raphael Veiga who both face an extended period of time in the treatment room, whereas midfielder Jailson is set to miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
While nowhere near as troublesome as their visitors, Santos also boast some unwanted injury problems, with Angelo Borges sitting out this weekend's clash with a thigh problem.
The defender should return before their next match, but Santos are unlikely to take any chances with Kevin Malthus, who has been recovering from an ACL injury of his own.
Santos possible starting lineup:
Paulo; Madson, Maicon, Bauermann, Pires; Zanocelo, Fernandez; Julio, Angulo, Baptistao; Leonardo
Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton; Rocha, Gomez, Cerqueira, Jorge; Rafael, Danilo; Dudu, Scarpa, Rony; Navarro
We say: Santos 2-2 Palmeiras
A mouth-watering clash early on in the Serie A campaign, Santos will be keen to fall back on their home record when Palmeiras visit this weekend.
While they have been shaky on the road so far, do not expect title-hopefuls Palmeiras to roll over on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
