The eternal rivals, two of Brazil's biggest clubs, lock horns in what promises to be an action-packed derby at the Morumbi stadium on Sunday.
Sao Paulo, who lead the Paulista Championship with 22 points, six points ahead of ninth-placed Palmeiras, with 16, will be hoping to continue with their good form and secure another victory that would put them four points ahead of second-placed Botafogo-SP.
The Tricolor could only afford a disappointing 1-1 draw with Arsenal de Sarandi in the Copa Libertadores midweek, and will strive to rebound against their city rivals.
Palmeiras, who were relegated to the Brazilian second division following a disastrous league campaign last season, are also participating in the Copa Libertadores, South America's maximum club competition, after having gained entry as the champions of the 2012 Copa do Brasil.
But Palmeiras, who reinforced their squad with a couple of big names, haven't performed too well so far in 2013, as they are struggling both in the Paulista Championship and the Copa Libertadores.
Palmeiras boss Gilson Kleina understands that his side face a complicated task against Sao Paulo, and is expected to field a defensive-minded side.
Kleina could possibly give Leo Gago and Rondinelly, former Gremio players, their official Palmeiras debuts, with Souza and Maikon Leite out injured, and Marcelo Oliveira suspended after receiving his marching orders in the win over Uniao Barbarense. Defender Henrique was in doubt, but on the eve of the match confirmed his presence via his Twitter account.
Meanwhile, Ney Franco, the coach of Sao Paulo, will be unable to count with the services of Denilson and Rhodolfo, who are both injured.
Sao Paulo, who meet Arsenal in a crucial Copa Libertadores fixture in Argentina next week, could possibly look a little bit different than usual, as Ney Franco may opt to rest certain players to keep them fresh for their trip to Buenos Aires.
Sao Paulo's last four matches
Mar 7, 2013: Sao Paulo 1-1 Arsenal (Copa Libertadores)
Mar 3, 2013: Penapolense 0-2 Sao Paulo (Paulista Championship)
Feb 28, 2013: Sao Paulo 2-1 The Strongest (Copa Libertadores)
Feb 23, 2013: Sao Paulo 3-0 Linense (Paulista Championship)
Palmeiras' last four matches
Mar 6, 2013: Tigre 1-0 Palmeiras (Copa Libertadores)
Feb 28, 2013: Libertad 2-0 Palmeiras (Copa Libertadores)
Feb 24, 2013: Palmeiras 1-0 Uniao Barbarense (Paulista Championship)
Feb 17, 2013: Corinthians 2-2 Palmeiras (Paulista Championship)
Facts
- In 162 encounters between the sides for the Paulista Championship, Sao Paulo have won 66 games compared to 51 for Palmeiras, with the remaining 45 games ending in draws.
- Sao Paulo went unbeaten for 11 games against Palmeiras between 1997 and 2007, with 10 wins and one draw.
