Preview: Atletico Goianiense vs. Sao Paulo - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are looking to reach the final for the first time in their history, while Sao Paulo previously won the competition in 2012.

Match preview

Atletico Goianiense may be currently three points adrift of safety in the Brasileiro, but they have enjoyed a successful campaign in the Copa Sudamericana.

However, as a result of their poor league form, Jorginho was sacked following the weekend's 2-1 defeat to local rivals Goias.

Although the hosts enter Thursday's contest without a permanent head coach, they can draw confidence from the success they have had in their Copa Sudamericana campaign.

After collecting 13 points from their six group games, Atletico Goianiense won a penalty shootout to eliminate Olimpia, while they cruised through their quarter-final tie, thrashing Argentina's Nacional 4-0 on aggregate.

They may have lost their last four games in all competitions, but the hosts have won all five of their home encounters in the Copa Sudamericana this season, keeping clean sheets in four of those victories.

Meanwhile, Sao Paulo are looking to reach the Copa Sudamericana final for the second time in their history after previously winning the tournament in 2012.

Sao Paulo legend and current manager Rogerio Ceni featured as a player in their winning campaign 10 years ago, but the former goalkeeper will be aiming to lead his team to the final from the dugout this time around.

While the visitors cruised through the group stage courtesy of five wins and a draw, they have been taken to penalties in their two knockout ties.

After prevailing on spot-kicks against Deportivo Tachira and Ceara, Ceni's side will hope to successfully negotiate a semi-final tie against an Atletico Goianiense side they have already beaten 2-1 this season.

Sao Paulo will also be looking to halt a poor run of results after losing their last three matches in all competitions.

Atletico Goianiense Copa Sudamericana form:

Atletico Goianiense form (all competitions):

Sao Paulo Copa Sudamericana form:

Sao Paulo form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts will be without the services of Emerson Santos, Ronaldo and Ramon Menezes, who are ruled out for the season with injury issues.

Hayner was sent off at the weekend, but the right-back will be available with his suspension to be served in league competition.

After coming off the bench to score in the 2-1 defeat to Goias, Shaylon could be brought into the starting lineup for the semi-final tie.

Luiz Fernando is expected to lead the line after scoring three goals across the two legs of the quarter-final encounter against Nacional.

As for the visitors, ankle problems will prevent Miranda and Gabriel Neves from featuring, while Andre Anderson and Luan Santos are also set to miss out due to injury issues.

Nikao is also a doubt for Thursday's encounter after he was forced in the third minute of Saturday's league meeting with Fortaleza.

Ceni could make a few changes to the side, with Luciano, Reinaldo and Igor Gomes expected to come into the starting lineup.

Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:

Renan; Hayner, Wanderson, Klaus, Henrique; Freitas, Baralhas; Airton, Shaylong, Wellington; Fernando

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Jandrei; Costa, Leo, Ferraresi; Vinicius, Galoppo, Gomes, Maia, Welington; Calleri, Luciano

We say: Atletico Goianiense 2-1 Sao Paulo

Although their manager was sacked following the weekend's defeat, we think an Atletico Goianiense side who have won all of their home games in the Copa Sudamericana this season will edge out Sao Paulo to take a narrow lead into the second leg.

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