Palmeiras vs Vasco DA Gama - Serie A

A fascinating Serie A chapter awaits on August 23, 2026 when Palmeiras take on Vasco DA Gama at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

In the Serie A table, Palmeiras currently occupy 2nd and Vasco DA Gama sit 17th, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — WWDDD across their last five with a win rate of 59.26% — and they will want to push on from here. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, W in their last five and a win rate of 26.92% reflecting their unpredictability. The contrast in attacking output — 1.74 versus 1.12 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Palmeiras will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Vasco DA Gama will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Tottenham have changed their approach and are spending big on players who already know the Premier League.

With K. Viveros leading the league's scoring charts at 18 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Free agent defender Oscar Mingueza can play as a right-back and a central defender and provides Palace with the flexibility they need for five at the back.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. On balance, Palmeiras look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 2-1 home win would not come as a surprise. Whatever the outcome, the Serie A fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.