Fourth meets third when Palmeiras host Flamengo in the Brasileiro on Sunday.

Palmeiras have failed to win any of their last three league games, whereas Flamengo have prevailed in seven of their last nine.

Match preview

After reclaiming the Brazilian Serie A for the first time since 2018, Palmeiras' title defence has gone off the rails in recent weeks, with Abel Ferreira's side gaining only 10 points from their last eight games.

Two winless streaks of three games have sandwiched back-to-back victories last month, allowing league leaders Botafogo to move 10 points clear of them at the top of the table.

Still, after losing their opening game of the Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras have won five straight games in that competition to cruise into the knockout stages. Ferreira, of course, led the club to successive triumphs in South America's continental competition in 2020 and 2021, so he will be hoping to compete at the business end once again.

In the meantime, though, his side need to begin clawing back their deficit to their domestic division's summit, with Flamengo set to provide an obstinate obstacle in that regard this weekend.

Indeed, Brazil's biggest club have rediscovered their winning touch in recent weeks, collecting 22 points from a possible 27 since defeating Goias almost two months ago.

The only real blemish during that period was a 4-0 defeat to Bragantino, while Botafogo's relentlessly excellent form at the top of the division has been a source of frustration for the chasing pack beneath them.

Like their forthcoming opponents, they lost their first match in this season's Copa Libertadores before recovering to advance from their group. After winning that competition for the third time in the club's history last time out, former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli will be determined to follow in his predecessor's footsteps after being appointed in April earlier this year.

With the likes of Gabriel Barbosa and Pedro in excellent form in the visitors' attack, Sampaoli will be confident of upsetting the home fans on Sunday, and potentially closing the gap on Botafogo in the process.

Team News

Palmeiras will be without Gustavo Garcia through suspension after the defender saw red against Athletico Paranaense, which proved to be a costly dismissal given that his team went onto drop two points having led 2-0.

Ze Rafael and Jailson are expected to remain absent due to knee injuries, with Mayke likely to replace Garcia at right-back.

Flamengo, meanwhile, will travel without Matheus Franca, Allan and Matheuzinho due to various injury problems.

After defeating Athletico Paranaense in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil quarter-final clash in midweek, Sampaoli may look to freshen things up by making a few changes, with Arturo Vidal itching for a start in midfield.

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton; Gomez, Cerqueira, Naves; Mayke, Guilherme, Montoya, Jhon, Vanderlan; Endrick, Lopes

Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Queiroz; Franca, Bruno, Pereira, Ayrton; Hugo, Pulgar, Gerson; Ribeiro, Barbosa, Everton

We say: Palmeiras 2-2 Flamengo

This should be a hugely entertaining clash between two of Brazil's biggest clubs, who have won the latest three editions of the Copa Libertadores between them.

They are both chasing down runaway leaders Botafogo in the Brasileiro, making this a massively important fixture for both teams, but we can envisage them having to settle for a share of the spoils on Sunday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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