Sao Paulo vs Athletico PR predictions feature in the Brasileiro Serie A’s return from the World Cup break. Eighth-placed Sao Paulo host fifth-placed Athletico Paranaense on Thursday 23rd July. Kick-off is at 1:30am (UK time). The match has been moved from the Morumbis due to a series of concerts at the stadium.
The visitors arrive in stronger form. Athletico Paranaense sit fifth on 30 points after three wins and two draws from their last five league matches. Sao Paulo occupy eighth on 25 points. Dorival Junior’s side endured three defeats and two draws in their final five rounds before the break.
Sao Paulo vs Athletico PR predictions & betting tips
| OUR PREDICTION | ODDS & BOOKMAKER | CONFIDENCE | WHY WE’RE BACKING IT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Viveros anytime goalscorer | 11/5 with bet365 (31%) | ★★★ | Viveros leads the Brasileiro Serie A scoring chart with 11 goals in 17 league appearances. The forward has recovered from knee pain and is expected to start. Sao Paulo have conceded 20 goals in 18 league matches. The hosts’ defence leaked goals in four of their last five outings before the break. Viveros thrives against sides lacking defensive solidity. At 11/5, the price significantly underestimates the league’s top scorer. |
| Athletico PR to win | 14/5 with bet365 (26%) | ★★ | Athletico Paranaense are the form side heading into this fixture. Three wins and two draws from their last five league matches put them fifth on 30 points. Sao Paulo endured three defeats and two draws in the same period. The Tricolor are playing away from their usual Morumbis home. The absence of their full home support strips away a key advantage. Odair Hellmann’s side welcome back Luiz Gustavo and Leo Derik from injury. At 14/5, the visitors offer genuine value. |
Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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How both teams head into Sao Paulo vs Athletico PR
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo return to Brasileiro action at a difficult moment. Dorival Junior’s side lost 1-0 to Remo in their final match before the World Cup break. That result confirmed a run of three defeats and two draws in their last five league rounds. Not a single win in that stretch.
The numbers across the opening 18 rounds reflect inconsistency. Twenty-three goals scored and 20 conceded leave Sao Paulo with a goal difference of just plus three. They sit eighth on 25 points, five behind Thursday’s opponents.
The board moved to strengthen during the mid-season window. Forward Vitor Sa, defensive midfielder Newton, right-back Aurelio Buta and centre-back Domingos Duarte all arrived. Their integration will prove crucial in the second half of the season. The match has been relocated from the Morumbis due to a series of Harry Styles concerts at the stadium.
Athletico Paranaense
Athletico Paranaense arrive as the form side in this fixture. Three wins and two draws from their final five league outings before the break propelled them to fifth on 30 points. Wins over Mirassol and Remo, plus a draw against Flamengo, illustrated their resilience.
Kevin Viveros is the headline act. The forward leads the Brasileiro scoring chart with 11 goals in 17 appearances. His recovery from knee pain before the break means he is expected to start. The attacking options run deeper with the club adding forward Jorge Rivaldo during the transfer window.
Manager Odair Hellmann also benefits from the return of two key players. Defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo and left-back Leo Derik both missed the closing rounds of the first half. They used the World Cup break to complete their rehabilitation. Centre-back Bruno Baldini and right-back Gilberto add further squad depth from the window signings.
Sao Paulo team news
Sao Paulo have no suspended players for Thursday’s match. However, the treatment room remains a concern. Sabino is in the final stage of recovery from a right hamstring injury and is a doubt.
Lucas Moura remains out with no return date. Cedric Soares, Luan, Young and Paulinho have all been left out of the first-team group for contractual or disciplinary reasons. None are expected to feature in the second half of the season. New signings Vitor Sa, Newton, Aurelio Buta and Domingos Duarte are all available for selection.
Athletico Paranaense team news
Athletico Paranaense return with a largely clean bill of health. Midfielder Bruno Zapelli suffered an ankle sprain in a pre-season friendly against Bragantino and is unavailable. Viveros has recovered from knee pain and trained without restriction during the break.
Luiz Gustavo and Leo Derik are both fit after recovering from their respective injuries. The returning pair strengthen Hellmann’s options in midfield and at left-back. New signings Gilberto, Bruno Baldini, Jorge Rivaldo and Dantas have all integrated into the squad.
Head-to-Head
The overall head-to-head record edges in Sao Paulo’s favour. Across 14 previous meetings, Sao Paulo have won seven to Athletico Paranaense’s five, with two draws. Sao Paulo hold a 13-11 goal advantage across those fixtures. However, Athletico Paranaense have won the last two meetings in the Brasileiro and Copa do Brasil. The recent trend favours the visitors heading into Thursday’s clash.
Who comes out on top?
Sao Paulo are slight favourites at evens. Athletico Paranaense are priced at 14/5, with the draw at 9/4. The home side’s favouritism owes more to venue than form.
Kevin Viveros anytime goalscorer at 11/5 is the standout pick. The league’s top scorer faces a defence that has conceded 20 goals in 18 matches. Viveros has 11 in 17 league appearances. The price offers clear value against a side that shipped goals in four of five matches before the break.
Athletico Paranaense to win at 14/5 completes the selection. Sao Paulo are effectively playing away from home with the match relocated from the Morumbis. Three defeats and two draws from five pre-break rounds point to a side low on confidence. Athletico Paranaense bring momentum, a fit squad and the league’s most prolific attacker. At 14/5, the visitors represent strong value in what should be a closely fought encounter.
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