Palmeiras vs Vasco da Gama

Palmeiras host Vasco on August 23 with both sides in very different situations. Palmeiras sit top of the Brasileirão with 48 points from 22 rounds and remain firmly in the title hunt, while Vasco are stuck in the relegation zone and badly need a result. For the hosts it's about keeping pace at the summit; for the visitors, breathing room in the survival fight. Palmeiras have been solid of late, following wins over Vitória and Fortaleza with a goalless draw against Internacional. Flaco López remains their main attacking threat, among Serie A's top goal contributors this season. Vasco, by contrast, have gone winless in the league recently, drawing with Bahia and Olimpia, though new arrivals Santiago Sosa and Facundo Colidio add fresh quality. Historically, Palmeiras hold a big edge in this fixture, with well over double Vasco's Brasileirão wins. Our prediction: 3-1