On Tuesday night, Palmeiras kicks off its quest for Club World Cup glory with a semi-final clash against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the Al Nahyan Stadium with a kickoff at 8:30 pm.
Meanwhile, after they beat Tahiti’s AS Pirae 4-1 in the first round, Pitso Mosimane’s side was rewarded with a tie against the Copa Libertadores champions.
In 2022 Palmeiras have already made the expected solid start to domestic affairs. They have taken 10 points from their first four games.
Their first game was against Agua Santa when Dudu scored in the 26th minute for a 1-0 victory. Palmeiras are looking for revenge for last season’s defeat to Sao Paulo in the final of the Campeonato Paulista A1 before Serie A takes centre stage once more.
Palmeiras may have lost to Atletico Mineiro in the Brasileiro last season. Still, they will get a shot at Intercontinental glory by winning the Copa Libertadores for the second time in a row – seeing off Flamengo 2-1 after extra time in 2021 final.
Six-game domestic winless streak did not exactly set up Al Ahly well before the first whistle blew at the Club World Cup, and they were still on a long road to the final, but their star player Hany scored the decisive goal just in time to beat their opponent.
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other, and this marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Palmeiras 1-0 EC Egua Santa
- Sao Bernardo 1-1 Palmeiras
- Palmeiras 3-0 Ponte Preta
- Gremio 0-2 Palmeiras
- Palmeiras 1-0 Ceara SC
Away
- Al Ahly 1-0 Monterrey
- Al Ahly 1-1 National Bank of Egypt
- Smouha 3-0 Al Ahly
- Al Ahly 1-1 Al-Mokawloon
- Ismaily 1-1 Al Ahly
Palmeiras Team News
The 19-year-old centre back Henri is the only injury concern for Palmeiras ahead of their battle against Chelsea, as the Brazilian recovers from a devastating tibia and fibula fracture. No other players are missing for this important match for Ferreira, several of whom hope to attract attention from clubs across Europe.
Al Ahly Team News
Al Ahly goalkeeper Ali Lotfi remains the last line of defence for Maaloul’s side. Following his injury against Monterrey, Egyptian international Mohamed El Shenawy will likely start in goal against Zamalek this week.
Prediction and Odds
But Al Ahly is not to be underestimated by Palmeiras, even if the Egyptians have left some of their more important players at home.
- Palmeiras Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- First to Score: Home
