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

The hosts head into this clash with the threat of relegation looming large, whereas Sao Paulo are trying to make an impression on the top half of the division.

Match preview

Goias extended their winless run in Brasileiro to six matches on the weekend when they came out on the losing side of a remarkable 10-goal thriller against relegation rivals Bahia.

Midfielder Guilherme managed to bag a brilliant brace for the hosts but his efforts were ultimately in vain, as Rogerio Ceni's men put six past Brazilian stopper Tadeu to record a notable success at Estadio de Haile Pinheiro.

Following their 11th defeat of the term, Goias sit 18th in the Brasileiro standings as the season approaches its business end, a single point away from safety with 12 contests left to play.

Wednesday's hosts have struggled immensely to score on a regular basis this term - despite netting four in their last match - with forwards Joao Magno, Anderson Oliveira and Julian Palacios netting just three times combined so far this term.

Sao Paulo were unable to make it three wins on the bounce in Brasileiro after being held to a frustrating goalless draw by strugglers Vasco da Gama on their travels before the international break.

Dorival Junior's side had enjoyed back-to-back home successes by 2-1 scorelines before that point last time out, beating Coritiba and Corinthians, with the latter win seeing Jonathan Calleri score an impressive brace in front of a adoring Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo crowd.

Currently sitting in 10th in the Brasileiro rankings, Sao Paulo will be targeting a place in the top six in order to secure a chance to compete in the next Copa Libertadores - a competition the club have won on three occasions, with the most recent being in 2005.

The visitors on Wednesday have some high-profile players within their ranks, including Alexandre Pato, Lucas Moura and former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, who has made the net ripple once in seven appearances since moving from Olympiacos in July.

Goias Brasileiro form:

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Sao Paulo Brasileiro form:

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W

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Sao Paulo form (all competitions):

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Team News

Gioas have a couple of injury concerns ahead of Wednesday night's clash, including winger Diego, who is not expected back in action until later this month as he recovers from a back issue.

The hosts are also missing an option at the front of their offensive line, with striker Gabriel Novaes currently sidelined because of a thigh injury he picked up in the summer.

Sao Paulo also have a key name in their medical room due to a thigh strain, with defensive-minded midfielder Gabriel Neves missing the draw against Vasco last time out.

Centre-back Robert Arboleda is suffering with a similar issue as his Uruguayan teammate, meaning Alan Franco is set to start alongside Diego at the heart of the visitors' backline.

Goias possible starting lineup:

Tadeu; Santos, Halter, Melo, Farias; Babi, Guzzo, Guilherme; Palacios, Magno, Oliveira

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Rafael; Mendes, Diego, Franco, Paulista; Maia, Alisson, Rato, Rodriguez, Nestor; Moura

We say: Goias 0-2 Sao Paulo

Goias' respectable defensive performances in recent matches were not continued as they conceded six to Bahia last time out, and we are expecting the hosts to struggle to contain the firepower of Sao Paulo.

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