Palmeiras vs Goias
Brazil - Serie A
Date: Thursday, December 5th, 2019
Kick-off at 22:15 UK / 23:15 CET
Place: Allianz Parque (Sao Paulo).
Palmeiras
Palmeiras riding their toughest stretch form to date since their most recent home 3-1 defeat against league champions Flamengo have now they are riding a three-game losing streak, as well as five games without a win (D2, L3). Palmeiras have secured a place in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores in 2020, so they have nothing to play in this game.
Palmeiras should be close to full strength ahead of this match. Their sole absentee will be defender Gustavo Gomez, who has been ruled out for the rest of this year because of a knee injury.
Expected to start XI: Jailson; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Vitor Hugo, Diogo Barbosa; Felipe Melo, Thiago Santos; Lucas Lima, Bruno Henrique, Dudu; Luiz Adriano
Goias
Goias enters this game coming off a 2-1 home loss to Fortaleza, and the result is a good ending three-game unbeaten streak (W2, D1) and the two run victory. Despite the loss, Goias does not have much to play for ahead of this game. They sit in 10th place of the standings, did not have a chance to secure a place in the Libertadores and have settled for the 2020 Copa Sudamericana spot.
Michael has been suspended for this match, but the team should be sufficiently depleted as a whole. Including Michael, or nine players may lose this match. This list includes Yago Fernando, Paulo Ricardo, Miguel Ferreira, Daniel Guedes, Jean Carlos, Renatinho, David Duarte and Walter.
Expected to start XI: Tadeu; Yago, Fabio Sanches, Rafael Vaz, Alan Ruschel; Thalles, Léo Sena, Gilberto Souza; Marlone, Rafael Moura, Leandro Barcia
Prediction
Palmeiras defeated by Flamengo last time around and will be hoping to bounce new managers to secure second place.
After some wonderful performances, Goiás defeated by Fortaleza and are now four points from the Copa Libertadores.
The hosts had the better team and is expected to dominate from the start.
Prediction: Palmeiras 2 1 Goias
