Looking for the runner-up of the 2017 edition of the Brazilian Championship, Palmeiras faces Atlético-PR on Sunday, December 3, in the thirty-eighth and final round. Starting at 17h (Brasília time), the duel takes place at the Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba.

Atlético-PR’s recent performance

The situation of the red-black paranaense is already defined. With 48 points (13 wins, nine draws and 15 losses), he is guaranteed in the 2018 edition of the Copa Sudamericana. The team starts the final day in the thirteenth place. Has chances to reach to ninth place, depending on the results competition, or fall to the fourteenth place, worst place possible.
This will only influence the financial part, since the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) pays different quotas for the participation of the clubs in the tournament depending on the final placement. Technically, it does not make any difference.
Thus, the preparation of the Hurricane for the match was in a friendly pace. Coach Fabiano Soares, however, did not change his position. Unwilling to disclose the team in advance, maintained its procedure. Also because there are some doubts that can only be resolved according to the medical department.
After four games away for injury, midfielder Nikão has a chance to be back on track. However, midfielder Lucho Gonzáles and striker Guilherme, who were spared training throughout the week, will depend on a new evaluation to see if they will be available to the coach.
Pavez midfielder Pavez, who had to leave earlier in the game who had beat Atlético-PR 1-0 in the previous round due to muscle aches, was tested and given the doctors’ green light to play on Sunday.

The current form of Palmeiras

Palmeiras took advantage of the focus of Grêmio in the dispute of the Libertadores of America to surpass the gauchos and to assume the second position of the Brasileirão. By defeating Botafogo at home 2-0 at the close of the thirty-seventh round, he had 63 points (19 wins, 6 draws and 12 losses). In this way, he enters the field on Sunday needing only his result to confirm the Brazilian vice-championship.
This was not, however, the focus of preparation over the course of the week. Following the announcement of the signing of coach Roger Machado for next season, Palmeiras increased the pace of its preparation for 2018. Once again, decided not to save on the hiring of reinforcements. He signed a contract with Santos midfielder Lucas Lima.
He also had a farewell party for veteran left-back Zé Roberto. He hung up his boots and will take up an administrative position at the club to make the connection between athletes and top men next season.
Arrival of players to a cast that is already considered big means also that some athletes will be dismissed. This scenario may even influence the behavior of the team on Sunday, although none of those quoted to be released is related. On the contrary, veteran goalkeeper Fernando Prass had his commitment to the club renewed despite already being given for sure the hiring of archer Weverton, Atlético-PR, for 2018.
The lack of greater goals even made the medical department to anticipate a minor surgery that should be done on the Colombian striker Borja. Thus, the athlete is out of the duel of this Sunday, but can start the preparation earlier for the 2018 season. Veterans Felipe Melo and Edu Dracena have also gone on holiday. The driver and the defender will not be able to play in Curitiba due to having to comply with suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards.

History of the bouts between Atlético-PR and Palmeiras
The Hurricane defeated Palmeiras, 1-0, in the first round of the 2017 edition of Brasileirão at the home of their opponents, winning their ninth victory in the showdown throughout the entire history of the tournament. However, Alviverde takes advantage of the overall picture with 14 successes. The ties were 13.
Without arousing interest to either party, the game opens the possibility for the guess in the tie. It has a price of 3.40 in Rivalo. Victory of the home owners to 2.45 for real face invested and successful visitor yields 2.80.