9 November 2024. 02:30. São Paulo. Stade Allianz Park
Brazilian Championship. 33rd day
Palmeiras (São Paulo) vs Grêmio (Porto Alegre)
Where to watch : The figs
Potential absentees : Piqueires, Rodrigues – André, Kannemann, Martins
Palm trees
With just six games remaining in the Brazilian Championship, Palmeiras face a tougher title quest than in 2023, where they were 14 points behind Botafogo before finally being crowned champions. Last year, after matchday 32, both teams had the same number of points (with Botafogo having a game in hand). Currently, Arthur Jorge’s team sits six points behind, thanks to two games without a win for Palmeiras (a 2-2 draw against Fortaleza and a 0-2 defeat against Corinthians).
This year’s scenario has also changed in another aspect. In 2023, Palmeiras were 14 points behind Botafogo after matchday 27, but managed to climb to the top. However, this year Palmeiras was only behind by three points at one point. This indicates that there was no significant gap, giving the impression that Palmeiras were close to overtaking Botafogo, who are also engaged in the Copa Libertadores.
Read more:
Atletico Goianiense vs Atletico Mineiro : Aperçu et Prediction du Match
Another interesting point to note is that in 2023, Abel Ferreira’s team achieved five consecutive victories, including a 3-4 comeback against Botafogo, and after matchday 32, both teams had accumulated 59 points. This time, Palmeiras posted a higher figure with 61 points, but Botafogo also improved by amassing 67 points. In their last five matches, Palmeiras have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat, making it hard to believe that they can win every last match of this season. Essentially, any further missteps from Ferreira’s team could prove fatal.
Read more:
Corinthians Supporters Throw Boar’s Head Onto Pitch During Match Against Palmeiras (Video)
Grêmio
Defender Walter Kannemann will miss the last matches of the season for Grêmio. On Wednesday, the club announced that the Argentinian will undergo another hip operation. According to the medical bulletin published by the club, the player will have to undergo a video arthroscopy of the right hip in Porto Alegre on Thursday. Kannemann had already received similar treatment in December 2021, but on the left hip.
The estimated recovery time is five months, meaning the defender will not return to the pitch until early April 2025. The Grêmio defender has not played since the victory against Fortaleza on October 4. After that game, he again reported hip pain, which forced him to miss the last few games. This season, the Argentine has appeared in 31 matches and provided three assists. His contract with the club runs until the end of 2025.
Kannemann’s injury not only increases the list of injured players for the end of this season, but also directly affects Grêmio’s plans for 2025. No matter who will coach the team after the season, the management must consider finding a replacement for Kannemann.
Read more:
Cruzeiro vs Flamengo: Match Preview and Prediction
Additionally, Jeromel has announced his retirement, and Rodrigo Caio is unlikely to extend his contract with Grêmio. There is a high probability that Nata will be sold, leaving the Porto Alegre club with just three defenders in January. The Grêmio management recognizes the need to sign defenders for 2025 and considers this position a priority in the market. The recruitment department is already looking for potential new recruits.
Palmeiras vs Grêmio: Author’s Prediction
Bookmakers are offering very low odds for a Palmeiras victory, but I would advise not to rush into betting on Abel Ferreira’s side, who have not been particularly impressive defensively. During their last three days, they conceded 7 goals! Therefore, I suggest betting on both teams to score.
