Third-placed Athletico host a Palmeiras side with one eye on the Libertadores
Athletico Paranaense welcome Palmeiras to the Ligga Arena on Saturday, 17 October 2026 local time, in round 31 of Série A. Palmeiras are second with 63 points, one behind Flamengo, and won 2-1 at Fluminense in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final on Wednesday. Athletico are third on 53 points and beat Chapecoense 4-1 last weekend. Kick-off is at 00:30 CEST on Sunday, with Paulo César Zanovelli da Silva the referee.
Predicted lineups: Athletico Paranaense vs Palmeiras
Palmeiras are without Gustavo Gómez and Agustín Giay, both suspended, as well as Vitor Roque and Jefté. Local media expect a heavily changed side, with Evangelista, Piquerez and Flaco López possible candidates for a rest, but nothing is confirmed. Athletico are missing Kerwin Vargas, Dantas and Benavídez, and coach Odair Hellmann is back on the touchline after a ban. The line-ups below are predicted by local media; Palmeiras‘ expected 3-5-2 is shown as a 3-4-3.
Athletico Paranaense Team News & Preview
Athletico won 4-1 at Chapecoense last weekend, with Viveros scoring twice to reach 21 league goals. They have lost one of 15 home league games this season and sit third, chasing a Libertadores place.
Hellmann is back on the touchline after serving a three-game ban. The record against Palmeiras is a worry, though: Athletico have not beaten them at home in the league in almost ten years.
What works for or against Athletico
- One defeat in 15 home league games.
- Viveros has 21 league goals.
- No home league win over Palmeiras in almost ten years.
- Kerwin Vargas and Dantas are out.
Palmeiras Team News & Preview
Palmeiras won 2-1 at Fluminense on Wednesday, with Flaco López and Marlon Freitas scoring, before Fluminense pulled one back in stoppage time. Assistant Vitor Castanheira blamed fatigue for the late goal, as the game came two days after the 4-1 win over Corinthians.
The second leg is on Wednesday at home, and local media expect Abel Ferreira, back from a touchline ban, to change his side heavily. With Gómez and Giay suspended, the back line will look different anyway.
What works for or against Palmeiras
- Only two away league defeats all season.
- 22 goals conceded in 30 games.
- Gómez and Giay are suspended.
- Libertadores semi-final second leg on Wednesday.
Athletico Paranaense vs Palmeiras Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Draw No Bet
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
Athletico PR vs. Palmeiras Stats Comparison
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Athletico PR vs. Palmeiras Form Guide
Athletico PR Form, Stats & Data
Athletico score 1.63 goals per game and concede 1.17. At home they have nine wins, five draws and one defeat, with 27 goals scored and 13 conceded.
Palmeiras Form, Stats & Data
Palmeiras score 1.73 goals per game and concede only 0.73, the best defence in the league. Away from home they have seven wins, six draws and two defeats.
Athletico Paranaense vs Palmeiras: Prediction & Betting Tip
Athletico have lost one of 15 home league games and have the league’s top scorer in Viveros. Palmeiras arrive after a Libertadores semi-final, with the second leg on Wednesday, two key defenders suspended and rotation expected. With Draw No Bet, a draw returns my stake, so I like Athletico Draw No Bet at 2.02.
The biggest risk is Palmeiras‘ record. They have the best defence in the league, have lost only twice away from home, and Athletico have not beaten them at home in the league for almost ten years. Even a rotated Palmeiras side is very strong. That is why I keep the stake small.
I am backing Athletico Draw No Bet at 2.02 with Winz, and I have it finishing 1-1.