São Paulo

São Paulo come into this match unbeaten in their last nine games. However, during this period, they have drawn seven times, winning just twice.

Last time out, they faced Ceará in the Brasileirão. Ceará opened the scoring early after a lovely lob from Pedro Henrique, giving them the early lead. Then, just before half-time, São Paulo equalised to make sure the sides didn’t go into the break separated. It was a brilliant header from Ryan Francisco off a cross.

In the second half, it was a fairly even game, with just one shot on target for each side, meaning the draw was probably a fair result.

In midweek, São Paulo took on another side from the northeast of Brazil. After going 1-0 down early in the first half, Luciano pulled them level just moments later. Then, right at the start of the second half, he added a second to complete his brace and secure a 2-1 win over Náutico in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil tie.

This match against Fortaleza now marks their third game in a row against a team from Brazil’s northeast.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza will be hoping to bounce back after going eight matches without a win, a run that includes three losses and five draws.

Last time out in the league, they faced Sport Recife in an all-Northeastern clash that ended 0-0. Sport definitely had the better of the chances, registering eight shots on target compared to Fortaleza’s one. The away side will be happy to come out of the game with a point.

Then, in midweek Copa do Brasil action, Fortaleza took on Retrô and drew 1-1. Ricardo Franco opened the scoring for Retrô, and Fortaleza rescued the game right at the death with an 88th-minute equaliser from Juan Lucero.

Fortaleza will be hoping for a much stronger performance this time out, as they seek to end their winless run.

Prediction – São Paulo 2-1 Fortaleza