Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Sunday, September 1st, 22:30 (UK)

The Brasileirão action continues this weekend and South American expert Nathan Joyes provides his Fluminense vs Sao Paulo prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Fluminense continue to impress at home and are now six unbeaten at the Maracana across all competitions. And while Sao Paulo continues to catch the eye, their away form hasn’t improved since last season – despite a new head coach and different system in place.

• Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Tip 1: Fluminense to win

• Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Tip 2: Fluminense double chance and under 2.5 goals

• Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Tip 3: Jhon Arias anytime goalscorer

Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction 1: Stick with the hosts

It’s going to be an interesting week at Fluminense as the European transfer window enters its final days. Key players including Andre and Jhon Arias have been targeted for quite some time, and perhaps one or both will be on the move.

However, for now, they remain Fluminense players and they have been vitally important as they help to drag their team away from the relegation zone. Wins over Palmeiras, Bahia and Atletico Mineiro without conceding have been mightily impressive.

Thiago Silva’s presence in the heart of the defence has given other players belief, while Andre and Jhon Arias have helped carry the younger players within the squad. At long last, order has (kind of) been restored at Flu.

Although Sao Paulo are enjoying a promising campaign and sit in 5th place, their away performances have mirrored last season’s results. With just one win in their last ten on their travels, Luis Zebeldia is struggling with the same conundrum Dorival Junior had in 2023.

With Flu on the rise, and Sao Paulo struggling to find any rhythm on the road, another home win looks to be on the cards for the hosts.

• Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction 1: Fluminense to win
• Best Odds: 2.25
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction 2: Goals at a premium

Mano Menezes has restored order at Fluminense since his appointment. Fernando Diniz’s free attacking football was causing plenty of defensive problems, but those appear to have been addressed.

In the Brazilian’s first 15 games in charge, only four matches have seen over 2.5 goals – and three of those were in either Copa do Brasil or the Libertadores. In the league, Menezes’ side have been well drilled as they start to climb up the table.

In fact, Fluminense have kept four clean sheets from their last five matches, both home and away, in the league. Rather impressive considering their hectic schedule.

Sao Paulo have only scored twice in their last four away games, failing to find the back of the net against both rivals Palmeiras and recently promoted Juventude.

With under 2.5 goals alone priced rather short around the 1.57 mark, it makes sense to throw in Flu double chance to bulk out the price.

• Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction 2: Fluminense double chance and under 2.5 goals
• Best Odds: 2.0
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction 3: Colombian can fire

One of the best wingers in Brazil has unsurprisingly helped lift Flu away from danger both for his performances and goals.

Since returning from Copa America, Jhon Arias has scored three goals in crucial matches. The Colombian scored the winner against Palmeiras, as well as against Atletico Mineiro last time out.

Responsible from 12 yards, Arias also scored a penalty in their crucial round of 16 tie against Gremio in the Copa Libertadores.

And although Arias plays on the right-wing, he isn’t afraid to carry the ball into central areas, and he often looks to be played inside the full-back in order to have a shot on goal.

With Fluminense struggling with strikers, there’s a lot of pressure on 18-year-old Kaua Elias to score. And even if he has landed us a couple of winners previously, Arias is continuing to step up and prove why he’s one of their most important players.

Clearly in the mood having scored in back-to-back matches, Arias thrives at the Maracana and he can be the match winner once again.

• Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction 3: Jhon Arias anytime goalscorer
• Best Odds: 4.75
• Bookmaker: 
• Stake: 4/10

Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:00, August 27th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Fluminense vs Sao Paulo Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: All eyes on Elias

As German Cano continues to get himself match fit, and with John Kennedy seemingly still having to prove his worth, 18-year-old Kaua Elias is likely to lead the line once again.

Within a few months of his senior career beginning, there’s already been reports of European interest, and no doubt the young Brazilian will want to keep impressing in order to earn that move next season.

Sao Paulo have a young striker of their own to keep an eye on. William Gomes (18) scored a belter on his first start at the weekend against Vitoria, and he’s expected to get plenty more opportunities in the second half of the season.

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Guga, Santos, Silva, Melo, Andre, Martinelli, Ganso, Arias, Serna, Elias

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Jandrei; Arboleda, Sabino, Araujo, Welington, Gustavo, Moura, Antonio, Henrique, Erick, Calleri

Match Stats

• Fluminense are unbeaten at home under Mano Menezes (W2 D4).
• Sao Paulo have won just one of their last ten matches across all competitions.
• Fluminense have won their last three matches against Sao Paulo at the Maracana.

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