**Palmeiras roll into this Copa do Brasil clash as proper heavyweights** — they've dominated Vasco in head-to-head history and are fresh off a convincing league win. Vasco, though, just upset Corinthians at home and aren't coming to lie down. 🔥

Palmeiras are the steadier outfit with **3 wins in their last 5**, but they stumbled at home to Fluminense last time. Vasco's form is scrappy (2W-1D-2L) but they've shown bite when it matters — that Corinthians win proves they can punch up.

Key storylines:

- **Palmeiras' trio of injuries** (Jefté, Paulinho, R. Sosa out) means they'll lean on midfield grit from L. Evangelista and J. Arias to control tempo
- **Vasco's makeshift defense** without C. Cuesta and M. Carvalho forces R. Renan and A. Saldivia into key roles against Palmeiras' attacking pair of J. López and V. Roque
- **Head-to-head weight**: Palmeiras have 20 wins to Vasco's 8 across 39 meetings — the script usually favors the green machine

Expected lineups:

- **Palmeiras**: C. Miguel, G. Gómez, Murilo, A. Giay, L. Evangelista, J. Arias, A. Pereira, J. López, V. Roque
- **Vasco da Gama**: L. Jardim, Cuiabano, R. Renan, A. Saldivia, T. Mendes, F. Colidio, A. Lescano, M. Hinestroza, B. Duarte

Prediction:

**Palmeiras 2–0 Vasco** — home comfort and squad depth edge out a Vasco side hobbled by absences.