Palmeiras vs São Paulo Prediction: The first King's Clash of the season leads to a trophy

The champion of Brazil, Palmeiras, faces the winner of the Copa do Brasil, São Paulo, in the final of the Supercopa do Brasil. The match between these two great São Paulo clubs is called King's Clash. It's the first of the season, and whoever wins takes the cup home. Palmeiras is the current trophy holder after beating Flamengo in the 2023 final.

Abel Ferreira's team has won its last three matches in the Paulistão and comfortably leads its group. In the last round, the Verdão beat RB Bragantino 1-0 away from home, a goal scored by Flaco López near the end of the game. The displays haven't been brilliant, but after the draw against Novorizontino in the season's first game, Palmeiras has always won, and that's the most important thing. The club has won titles in recent years, and the desire to win another trophy will surely be on the players' minds.

In the last round, the Tricolor won for the first time at the Neo Química Arena, the stadium of rival Corinthians. São Paulo took the lead in the first half with a goal from Jonathan Calleri and went into the break calm after the dismissal of Caetano from Corinthians a few minutes earlier. In the 51st minute, Luis Gustavo made it 2-0 from a corner kick, which virtually sealed the game. The Timão goal came in stoppage time. The Tricolor leads Group D of Paulistão and confidently enters the Brazil Super Cup match.

Predicting a derby is always difficult because it's one of those games where anything can happen. Plus, it's a final with different characteristics from a conventional match. A draw doesn't do anyone any good, as there are no points at stake, and all that matters is winning and lifting the trophy. I'm betting on Palmeiras simply because it has won many titles and has more experience in these decisive moments. São Paulo also won the Copa do Brasil against Flamengo last year. Still, the manager was Dorival Júnior. São Paulo's new coach, Thiago Carpini, is a promising specialist, but he's never been in a final.