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

The teams have made undeniably bright starts to the season and both of them will be looking to continue in the same vein.

Match preview

Sao Paulo had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their Copa Libertadores clash against Boca Juniors on Wednesday in Buenos Aires.

Vitor Pereira's men took the lead in the 16th minute through Du Queiroz but were pegged back by Dario Benedetto in the final knockings of the first half.

Prior to that, Todo Poderoso played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against Internacional on Saturday and have now seen their lead at the top of the Brasileiro table cut to a single point.

Awaiting them next is the task of going up against an opposing side who are yet to taste defeat in any of the last five meetings between the teams, winning each of the most recent three.

Ahead of a crunch continental involvement against Always Ready five days later, Sunday's hosts will be looking to set the tone with a dominant display this weekend.

Sao Paulo eased past the threat of Bolivian outfit Jorge Wilstermann in a routine 3-0 triumph on Friday at Estadio do Morumbi.

A first-half brace from Rodrigo Nestor set Rogerio Ceni's men on their way before Patrick put the final nail in the coffin few minutes into the second period.

O Clube da Fe also got the better of Cuiaba in their most recent league outing which leaves them third in the standings, two points off the top.

Having won just one of their last six matches on the road, Sunday's visitors will need to get going on the road as soon as possible if they are to mount a proper title challenge over the course of the whole season.

Corinthians Brasileiro form:

Corinthians form (all competitions):

Sao Paulo Brasileiro form:

Sao Paulo form (all competitions):

Team News

Ex-Barcelona midfielder Paulinho is yet to recover from a knee problem and will sit out a sixth game on the bounce.

Corinthians will also be without the services of Oliveira Ruan, who has not featured in over a year due a cruciate ligament injury.

Sao Paulo's Gabriel Sara is a gauranteed absentee as he is yet to fully recuperate from a three-week old muscle injury.

However, Andres Colorado could make his return to action on Sunday after missing the last three games with an ankle problem.

Jonathan Calleri currently leads the scoring chart with six goals and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.

Corinthians possible starting lineup:

Cassio; Gustavo, Victor, Robson; Fabio, Queiroz, Maycon, Piton; Willian, Jo, Mosquito

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Couto; Rafinha, Miranda, Luizao, Santos; Neves, Patrick, Nestor; Nikao, Eder, Calleri

We say: Corinthians 2-1 Sao Paulo

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