Despite having been crowned world champions for a second time in December when they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, Corinthians have yet to reach top form in the Paulista Championship this season.
The Timao lie in eighth position, with 12 points from seven games, the same number of points as Sunday's rivals Palmeiras. Both sides trail league leaders Ponte Preta by three points.
Due to this the derby, which will be staged at the Pacaembu stadium, gains even more significance, because both teams have the opportunity to move closer towards the top of the table.
Palmeiras, who were relegated to the Brazilian Second Division after a horrible campaign last season, have made numerous changes to their squad, in an attempt to return to the top-flight of Brazilian soccer next year.
Having lifted the Copa do Brasil last year, Palmeiras assured themselves of a place in the 2013 Copa Libertadores, South America's biggest club competition, and claimed a valuable 2-1 victory over Sporting Cristal of Peru midweek.
Palmeiras coach Gilson Kleina has yet to confirm the side that will take the field against Corinthians, but is expected to provide Leandro and Charles with debuts. Controversial Chilean midfielder Jorge Valdivia has been discarded for the match.
Meanwhile, rivals Corinthians, who needed a late Paulinho strike to force a 2-2 draw with Rivaldo's Sao Caetano last weekend, will only make one change, with Club World Cup MVP Cassio, confirmed between the three posts.
High-profile signing Alexandre Pato will remain on the substitute's bench, with Peruvian hitman Paolo Guerrero leading the line up front. Guerrero will be provided with attacking assistance by Emerson and Danilo.
The last time the fierce rivals met was in September of 2012, with Corinthians taking the derby 2-0.
Corinthians last four matches
Feb 9, 2013: Corinthians 2-2 Sao Caetano (Paulista Championship)
Feb 6, 2013: Botafogo-SP 0-0 Corinthians (Paulista Championship)
Feb 2, 2013: Corinthians 5-0 Oeste (Paulista Championship)
Jan 30, 2013: Corinthians 2-1 Mogi Mirim (Paulista Championship)
Palmeiras' last four matches
Feb 14, 2013: Palmeiras 2-1 Sporting Cristal (Copa Libertadores)
Feb 10, 2013: Mogi Mirim 2-2 Palmeiras (Paulista Championship)
Feb 7, 2013: Palmeiras 2-0 Atletico Sorocaba (Paulista Championship)
Feb 3, 2013: XV de Piracicaba 3-3 Palmeiras (Paulista Championship)
Facts
- Corinthians are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Palmeiras, with three wins and a draw.
- According to a recent study, Corinthians are the richest team in Brazil, while Palmeiras are the fifth richest.
Prediction
Corinthians 2-1 Palmeiras
