Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker:
Two sides who find themselves battling it out in the top-four chase, Bargantino will welcome Sao Paulo to the Nabi Abi Chedid on Sunday night.
Bragantino
Starting with the hosts, putting in another rugged display last weekend as they claimed a 1-0 victory away at Corinthians, Bragantino are enjoying what has been a hugely impressive purple patch on either side of June’s international break. Continuing to gain a string of praise from across Serie A since opening the 2023 campaign, Pedro Caixinha’s high-flying squad now have their sights firmly set on claim a stunning top-four finish. In fact, on a flurry that is highlighted by an action-packed 5-2 win against Juventus SP earlier in the month, Bragantino have now won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Gaining a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third, Sunday’s hosts will be looking to make another domestic statement here. Picking up a 2-1 win when they welcome Sao Paulo to town on February 8th, Caixinha will be calling on a repeat performance this weekend.
Team News
All still dealing with extended injury issues, Bragantino will once again be without the likes of Ignacio Laquintana, Leo Ortiz, Kevin Lomonaco, Lucas Cunha and Raul.
Bagging the winner away at Corinthians last weekend and now notching six goals in his last five appearances across all competitions, the red-hot Eduardo Sasha will spearhead Caixinha’s charge on Sunday night.
Sao Paulo
As for the visitors, picking up a Copa do Brasil first-leg advantage earlier in the week thanks to a 1-0 win at home against Palmeiras, Sao Paulo are in the midst of their own extended flurry. Riding a real wave of momentum on either side of the international break, Dorival Junior’s men have now won each of their last three appearances across all competitions. Likewise, breezing their way to the knockout stage of this year’s Copa Sudamericana and signing off their Group D romp with a 2-0 victory against Tigre on June 27th, the Soberano open Sunday’s showdown sat just two points adrift of breaking into the top-four. However, suffering a 2-1 loss when they travelled to Bragantino while on Paulista duties back in February, it should be noted that Junior’s side have won just a pair of their previous eight appearances on the road.
Team News
Dealing with what has become a mounting injury list, Sao Paulo will once again be without the likes of Giuliano Galoppo, Erison, Joao Moreira, Telles Costa and Wellington this weekend. Likewise, not making a single appearance this season, ex-Chelsea striker Pato also remains on the sidelines.
Although one-time West Ham misfit Jonathan Calleri might have failed to find the net in his last five outings, the 29-year-old should lead Junior’s attack here.
Key Factors to Consider
