Palmeiras 8/5 to beat Santos in Fridays Serie A showdown

Competition: Brazil Serie A

Market: Palmeiras win

Odds: 8/5 @ Bet 365

Two sides that have endured very different starts to the new Brazil Serie A campaign, last years runners-up Palmeiras will travel to Santos on Friday looking to continue their climb up the table.

Starting with new Santos boss Jair Ventura, although the hosts on Friday managed to land a third-place finish last year, Serie A’s longest franchise appear to be set for a relegation battle this time around. Coming off the back of a 0-0 draw with Mexican outfit Querétaro last time out, Santos have picked up just two wins in their last 11 and now sit just a single point above the drop zone. It will be their defensive issues that are the biggest cause for concern for Ventura, Santos have recorded just one clean sheet in Serie A since the start of April.

As for last years runners-up Palmeiras, although they may sit seven points adrift of Flamengo at the top of the table, The Greens have continued to shine and a win on Friday could see them jump as high as fourth. Now on a four-match unbeaten run, it is their form in the final third that has continued to catch the eye. Averaging two goals per game over the past month, one man to watch for the visitors is top-scorer Willian. The 31-year-old now has seven in his last seven for Palmeiras and also scored in the 1-1 draw with Flamengo last time out.

Bet: Palmeiras to beat Santos in Fridays Serie A showdown 8/5 @ Bet 365