Palmeiras vs Grêmio Prediction: The Verdão must win

Palmeiras was defeated in the derby against Corinthians and is now six points behind Botafogo. The champion will host the Brasileirão leader at the end of November, so the title is still within Palmeiras' reach with six rounds to go, but there is no more room for error.

Abel Ferreira's men started the derby better, forcing Corinthians to defend close to its box. A Palmeiras goal was imminent, but a lack of effectiveness proved fatal. The Verdão squandered several chances, and its rival didn't fail. Garro opened the scoring with a low shot from outside the area in the 41st minute, and the game went to half-time with Corinthians leading 1-0. In the second half, Palmeiras continued to control the ball most of the time, trying to find spaces in the opponent's dense defense. However, in a counterattack, the Timão made it 2-0 in the 56th minute through Yuri Alberto. The second goal discouraged the visitors, who tried to reduce the score with low confidence. The unbeaten run finished, and if Palmeiras wants to be champion, it will probably have to win the remaining six rounds.

The Immortal miraculously drew with Fluminense at the Maracanã and brought home a precious point. The Gaúchos were behind, but in the final seconds, Fábio, Fluminense's goalkeeper, committed a foul inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Reinaldo did not miss from the spot and made it 2-2 in the 99th minute. Grêmio is 11th with 39 points, five above the relegation zone. Renato Portaluppi's team is close to salvation but still needs two or three wins to confirm it.

After the defeat in the derby with Corinthians, Palmeiras fans expect a strong reaction from their team against Grêmio. The Paulistas are six points from the top spot, but they won't give up the fight, not least because they still have to face the leader, Botafogo, in Round 36. Palmeiras has the best attack in the league, and Grêmio doesn't defend well, so I'm betting on the home side to win with at least two goals scored in the match.