The 2020 Brazilian Serie A season continues this week and on the 26th of August we have a match between São Paulo and Athletico Paranaense to enjoy. The game will be played at the Morumbi Stadium with the hosts in 5th place on 7 points and the visitors in 10th place on 6 points, although São Paulo have a game in hand.
São Paulo come into the match having defeated Sport Recife 1-0 away from home on the weekend. São Paulo opened the scoring after only 6 minutes and despite not adding to the goal, managed to keep a clean sheet to seal maximum points.
That result means São Paulo are undefeated in 3 of their 4 Brazilian Serie A matches this season. In addition to the victory at Sport Recife, São Paulo have beaten Fortaleza 1-0 at home plus picked up a point in a 1-1 draw at home against Bahia.
Including results from last season, São Paulo have lost only one of their last 6 Serie A games. They have been good at home in recent matches, remaining undefeated in their last 4. In addition to the victory over Fortaleza, there have been wins against Vasco da Gama and Internacional. Trends show São Paulo have seen under 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 9 home Serie A matches.
Athletico Paranaense travel to the Morumbi Stadium having suffered a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Fluminense last time out. The deciding goal went in just before half time and Athletico Paranaense failed to get back into the game in the second half. That result means Athletico Paranaense have lost each of their last 3 Brazilian Serie A matches.
In addition to the loss at home against Fluminense, they have been defeated by Palmeiras at home and Santos away. Early form was good for Athletico Paranaense, as they won their first 2 games of the new Serie A season but have since struggled.
Despite suffering a defeat at Santos in their most recent away Serie A match, Athletico Paranaense have not been easy to beat on the road. Trends show they have lost only one of their last 12 away Serie A games, which is a good record. Athletico Paranaense have seen under 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 away Serie A matches.
Team news and São Paulo will be without Walce da Silva who is recovering from a knee injury. They also have doubts over the fitness of Gabriel Sara and Joao Rojas.
Athletico Paranaense could be without Santos, who has a knee problem plus Lucas Halter and Leonardo Cittadini are doubts. Every other player should be fit and available for the visitors.
This should be an extremely competitive game, with little to choose between the teams. We expect to see under 2.5 goals scored but São Paulo come into the match in better form and could secure a victory.