RB Bragantino vs Palmeiras Prediction: The leaders of their groups go head-to-head

In the last Brasileirão, Bragantino finished sixth, while Palmeiras was crowned champion, in a competition in which these two teams provided great matches and proved to be among the best in the country. Although in the Paulistão, the Massa Bruta and the Verdão have yet to show a high level, they are still leaders of groups C and B, respectively.

Red Bull again disappointed its fans by conceding Botafogo SP's equalizer in the 89th minute. Pedro Caixinha's team's only win so far was away from home. In the opening game of the Paulistão, Bragantino had lost at home to Água Santa, so this draw in Round 3 was the team's second winless game at the Nabi Abi Chedid. Despite the modest results, Bragantino leads its group with four points, a group that also includes Corinthians, which started the Campeonato Paulista even worse than Red Bull. The Massa Bruta will have to raise the level shown in the first matches to beat Palmeiras.

Abel Ferreira's team didn't make it easy and beat Santos 2-1. Despite conceding a goal in the 69th minute, when the game was 2-0, the Verdão was never really threatened. Thanks to its experience, Palmeiras managed to defend well, and Santos never managed to create another scoring opportunity. With seven points, three more than Guarani and Água Santa, the reigning Paulista and Brazilian champion will take to the field without too much pressure, and bearing in mind that the Supercopa do Brasil will be played at the weekend against São Paulo, there will likely be some changes to the starting eleven.

Abel will probably rotate some players, given the Supercopa do Brasil against São Paulo a few days later. Even if Palmeiras doesn't field its best team, Bragantino hasn't shown enough in this Campeonato Paulista to make me bet on a win against Palmeiras. Red Bull might even play a great game, but I haven't seen any signs that would make me believe that. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of the Verdão.