Cuiabá vs Palmeiras Prediction: Only victory matters to Palmeiras

With only five points after four Série A rounds, the Brazilian champion travels to Mato Grosso do Sul to bring home three points. Anything other than a victory against the last-placed team in the Brasileirão could begin to worry the Palmeiras fans. Results at this stage aren't decisive, as it's a competition where all the teams drop many points, but if the Verdão fails to win in Cuiabá, it will be a warning sign.

The Dourado continues without a point and, to make matters worse, lost 1-0 to Goiás in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil third round. Cuiabá has just announced Petit as its new manager, but it is unlikely that he will be on the bench for the game against Palmeiras. The Portuguese will have a lot of work to do to restore confidence to a team in last place and can't count on Deyverson, its top scorer. The striker and the board have clashed since the player declined to renew his contract. Any point against Palmeiras would be welcome.

The Verdão suffered to defeat Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto in the Copa do Brasil. In the first leg at the Allianz Parque, Palmeiras won 2-1, with the winning goal coming in the 98th minute through 17-year-old Estevão. The Série B side had equalized in the 90th minute, but the reaction of the Brazilian champion was incredible. Abel Ferreira's side must focus now on the league and winning to climb the standings to a position more in line with its talent. Palmeiras hasn't triumphed in the Brasileirão for three games, although it has won in the Copa Libertadores and now in the Copa do Brasil.

Palmeiras is the favorite despite playing away from home. Cuiabá has struggled so far and lost every game. The Mato-Grossense club has appointed Petit as its new coach, but he will probably watch the match in the stands. The visitors didn't start well the Brasileirão, but they should come out on top. Only victory matters to Palmeiras, and that's what I'm betting on.