Verdict: Sao Paulo win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to claim an immediate response late on Saturday night, Sao Paulo will welcome Vitoria to the Estadio do Morumbi.
Sao Paulo
Starting with the hosts, watching their Copa do Brasil adventure come to a heartbreaking end earlier in the week as they slumped to a penalty shootout defeat away at Athletico-PR, Sao Paulo are seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, last seen in Serie A action clinching an eye-catching 2-1 victory away at Internacional, Hernan Crespo’s men have won each of their other five appearances across all competitions. Skyrocketing their way up the table, the Morumbi-based outfit open Saturday’s showdown sat within touching distance of breaking into the Copa Libertadores spots. It should also be highlighted, Sao Paulo have won their last three consecutive domestic showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 7-2.
Sao Paulo Team News
While veteran goalkeeper Rafael might have been shown an early red card against Athletico-PR earlier in the week, the 36-year-old is free to feature on Saturday night. However, still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not featuring over the past couple of months, academy graduate Ryan Francisco remains on the sidelines.
Registering nine direct goal contributions in his previous 13 appearances across all competitions, one-time Panathinaikos striker Luciano will play a leading role in the final third.
Vitoria
As for the visitors, suffering a late collapse at home against Brazilian giants Palmeiras last week as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate in Salvador, Vitoria have gained a reputation as a real draw specialist. Along with settling for a single point in all of their previous three consecutive Serie A appearances, Fabio Carille’s side have also played out a stalemate in six of their last eight top-flight showdowns. Putting just a sole win on the board since the middle of May, Vitoria have also continued to show some major issues away from the Barradao. In fact, Saturday’s guests have mustered just a single victory from their previous 14 appearances outside of Salvador – a rut that stems all the way back to March 1st.
Vitoria Team News
Shown a costly booking against Palmeiras last week, former Cruzeiro defender Raul Caceres will miss out through suspension on Saturday night. Likewise, missing out over the past couple of months and still dealing with an ankle issue, ex-Coritiba star Jamerson remains on the sidelines and will not feature here.
Completing a loan switch from Botafogo ahead of the 2025 campaign, Lucas Halter will start at the heart of Carille’s defence. Finding the net in back-to-back appearances over the past fortnight, former Ceara striker Erick will lead the line.
Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Key Factors to Consider
- When Sao Paulo and Vitoria last met back in August 2024, Saturday’s hosts collected a 2-1 victory at the
Estadio do Morumbi. - In fact, Sao Paulo have won all of their previous six consecutive meetings against Vitoria across all competitions.
- The Tricolor have won their last three straight domestic appearances in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 7-2.
- Vitoria have mustered just a single victory from their previous 14 appearances outside of Salvador – a rut that stems all the way back to March 1st.
- Saturday’s guests have also registered just a sole strike in their previous five straight away fixtures.
Conclusion
Despite suffering Copa do Brasil heartbreak earlier in the week, Sao Paulo will be confident of claiming an immediate response here. Knowing that they can skyrocket their way into the Copa Libertadores spots here, Saturday’s hosts should be smelling a golden opportunity. Along with landing a 2-1 victory when they last welcomed Vitoria to town back in August 2024, they have won all of their previous six consecutive showdowns across all competitions. Likewise, winning each of their last three straight domestic battles in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 7-2, we are backing a home victory this weekend.
Verdict: Sao Paulo win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
