Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Sunday, August 25th, 22:30 (UK)

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

The hosts’ formidable form in front of their fans continues, and although Vitoria sprung a surprise away to Palmeiras, that result only masked their poor form on their travels.

Sao Paulo face Nacional in the Copa Libertadores midweek, and we may see rotations once more as their hectic schedule continues to pile up.

• Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Tip 1: Sao Paulo and under 4.5 goals

• Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Tip 2: Andre Silva anytime goalscorer

• Sao Paulo vs VitoriaTip 3: Sao Paulo to score first half

Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction 1: Professional job

Sao Paulo are quietly going under the radar this season under Luis Zebeldia, Currently in sixth place, the Ecuadorian head coach has turned around their abysmal start to the campaign, and are three points behind arch-rivals Palmeiras in third.

This has largely been down to the success of their home form, which is the second best in the league. Winning 26 points from 12 matches, Sao Paulo have only conceded eight goals – only Bahia and Fortaleza have conceded less.

Lucas Moura continues to run the show, while the experience of former Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha and Luiz Gustavo help to keep Zubeldia’s side compact and disciplined.

Vitoria head into this fixture on the back of a 2-2 draw with Cruzeiro, but their away form is what continues to halt any progress. Four defeats from their last five, the recently promoted side are struggling to adapt.

Sao Paulo rarely blows teams away, and with a midweek Libertadores match to contend with, rotations are likely. However, even if they do, there’s too much quality to not get over the line.

• Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction 1: Sao Paulo and under 4.5 goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.725
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction 2: Silva to take his chance

If rotations do occur, it could be worth backing Andre Silva to find the back of the net for the hosts. 

The former Guimaraes forward has struggled to hold down a regular spot in his first season back in Brazil, but when he’s played, he’s often shown glimpses as to why he can become the main man in time.

Trusted to lead the line against Atletico GO, Silva was the match winner in a 1-0 victory. A towering header from Wellington Rato’s cross was a sign how effective he can be in the air, as well as with his feet.

Jonathan Calleri is expected to line up against Nacional midweek, but Sao Paulo will need to be careful not to burn him out, and these are the type of games Silva is trusted to start.

Vitoria’s defence has been shipping in goals left, right and centre on the road of late, and if Silva is rewarded with another league start, expect the 27-year-old to be the star once again.

• Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction 2: Andre Silva anytime goalscorer
• Best Odds: 3.750
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction 3: Lively first half

Sao Paulo have only led at half-time in two of their last five home matches, but those came against Atletico GO and Gremio – two teams battling at the wrong end of the table – Vitoria are firmly in that category.

They were held by Botafogo and Flamengo in the first 45 minutes, but Sao Paulo’s opponents aren’t anywhere near on the same level when it comes to overall quality.

Lucas Moura has a new lease of life back at his boyhood club, and his licence to link up with the front three makes Sao Paulo extremely dangerous in transition play. Whether Vitoria attempts to come out and play or sit back, the hosts’ preferred quick tempo and style of play will soon pull them apart.

Vitoria have conceded ten goals in their last five away matches, and have been behind in three of those at the break. It doesn’t look promising for the visitors travelling to one of the best teams at home in the league.

• Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction 3: Sao Paulo to score first half
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: 
• Stake: 6/10

Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, August 20th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Sao Paulo vs Vitoria Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: Luciano suspended

Sao Paulo’s Luciano will miss the match after receiving a red card against Palmeiras last weekend. Ferreirinha was taken off in the first half after picking up a knock, and it’ll be interesting to see if he features in the Libertadores midweek.

Vitoria have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Forward Alerrandro will be hoping to pull out some more magic after his goal of the season bicycle kick attempt against Cruzeiro on Monday evening.

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Rafael; Welington, Franco, Arboleda, Rafinha, Gustavo, Bobadilla, Moura, Silva, Rato, Calleri

Vitoria possible starting lineup:
Arcanjo; Esteves, Leonardo, x,Lepo, Machado, Ricardo, Silva, Matheuzinho, Osvaldo, Alerrandro

Match Stats

• Sao Paulo has the second best record at home in the league so far this season.
• Vitoria has only managed to pick up eight points from 11 away matches.
• Sao Paulo has won four of their last five matches at home – keeping four clean sheets.

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