Palmeiras vs Santos Prediction: Palmeiras must win by two goals

After an uninspiring display at the Vila Belmiro, which resulted in a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the Paulistão final, Palmeiras now has to beat Santos by two goals. A one-goal win for the Verdão will see the final decided on penalties, but that's an outcome the Brazilian and Paulista champion will want to avoid. If Palmeiras wins, it will win a third consecutive Paulistão, something the club hasn't achieved for 90 years.

The Pig had a complicated game in its Copa Libertadores debut. It was in Argentina against San Lorenzo, and the match ended in a one-all draw. Piquerez, with a fantastic direct free kick, tied the game in the 81st minute after Palmeiras had been trailing for an hour. Coach Abel Ferreira rested some of his best players in preparation for the match with Santos. Winning the Paulistão title is a priority for the club, and the starting eleven used in the final should be close to ideal. The Allianz Parque will be full of Palmeiras fans to support the team, determined to turn around the first-leg result.

The Fish proved that even being in the Série B now, it is still a big club. Santos' campaign in the Paulistão has been fantastic, and the players will fight for the title until the end. Palmeiras are more used to decisive matches, but the Santos players showed no fear or nerves in their first game. The Paulistão rules don't contemplate extra time, so if Santos loses by just one goal, the match will immediately go to penalties, which increases the Fish's chances of winning the competition. If Santos scores before Palmeiras, it will be in a very favorable position.

Palmeiras is the favorite to win the match and the competition but must perform at its best. Santos will do everything to give its fans something to cheer about after being relegated to the Série B. My bet is on the Verdão to win with a maximum of four goals scored. Please note that the bet is only valid for the 90 minutes of the match. Penalties do not apply to this betting tip.