Preview: Palmeiras vs. America Mineiro - prediction, team news, lineups

Palmeiras have the chance to continue their ascent up the table when they take on winless America Mineiro at Allianz Parque on Sunday.

The White-Green have recovered from a losing start to move into sixth place, while their opponents are 19th in the 20-team division after picking up one point from a possible 12.

Match preview

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Since losing 1-0 to Flamengo in their opening game of the season, Palmeiras have defeated Chapecoense and Juventude either side of a 1-1 draw against Corinthians.

That positive run leaves Abel Ferreira's side three points off early pacesetters Fortaleza, though 11th-placed Sport Recife are just three points behind in the tight division.

Palmeiras produced their best display of the campaign last time out in seeing off Juventude 3-0 through goals from Deyverson and Breno Lopes following William Matheus's own goal.

The reigning Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil holders will now be looking to continue building momentum in the league ahead of games with America Mineiro, Bragantino and Bahia.

America face a daunting task attempting to take any points off Palmeiras, having lost three and drawn one since earning promotion to the top flight.

However, the Rabbit did pick up their solitary point to date last time out in a goalless draw against Cuiaba.

That stalemate came on the back of losses to Athletico Paranaense, Corinthians and Flamengo without scoring, making it four without a goal for Lisca's men.

If they are to have any hope of staying in the division, then that lack of cutting edge has to change, but Palmeiras are not exactly known for shipping goals.

America failed to find the net in their most recent encounter with the White-Green, going down 1-0 in last December's cup match following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Indeed, the Rabbit are winless against Palmeiras in their last nine encounters since a 1-0 victory in June 2013.

Team News

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Veron, Danilo and Patrick de Paula are all expected to miss out for Palmeiras through injury, while Wesley is suspended.

Ferreira will also have to make do without Gustavo Gomez, Weverton and Vina, who are each away on Copa America duty.

Given the nature of their win against Juventude, plus the number of absentees, the hosts may go with the same XI used last time out.

As for Mineiro, Matheus Cavichioli has been ruled out for the foreseeable future with coronavirus.

Marcelo Toscano, Luiz Fernando, Ze Ricardo, Marlon and Airton are all carrying injuries and are all unlikely to play any part this weekend.

Despite failing to score in his 215 minutes on the field this term, Rodolfo is favourite to get the nod up top for the visitors.

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Jailson; Rocha, Renan, Luan, Luis; Scarpa, Veiga, Melo; Menino, Adriano, Willian

America Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Jori; Diego, Eduardo, Anderson, Paulo; Juninho, Gustavinho, Ale; Nazario, Rodolfo, Ademir

We say: Palmeiras 3-0 America Mineiro

America Mineiro picked up their first point of the season in midweek, but they are still without a goal, and that is unlikely to change against Palmeiras.

The hosts are looking up the division and we can see them matching the three goals they put past Juventude last time out.