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

Two teams in the top half of the Brasileiro league table are set to meet on Thursday when Internacional and Sao Paulo compete in their latest fixture.

The hosts are undefeated in their previous four matches, while the visitors are on an eight-game run without a defeat.

---

Match preview

Internacional head into this game currently sat fourth place in the division, and with only two points between them and the league leaders there is plenty to play for.

The squad are undefeated in their previous four outings in all competitions, and the previous two games have led to them keeping clean sheets.

Only Palmeiras have conceded fewer goals than them throughout the entire campaign so far, showcasing the qualities that they bring from a defensive point of view.

Their most recent match against Athletico Paranense might have led to a clean sheet, but Internacional were unable to find the back of the net as things ended in a goalless draw.

At home they have only been beaten once, which will provide plenty of confidence to the squad that are now looking to kick on and get straight back to winning ways.

The visitors might be lower down in the league table right now, but their form is fantastic as they are undefeated across their previous eight matches in all competitions.

This run of form that Sao Paulo have put together is something that has helped them progress up the Brasileiro league table into ninth place, and they are only five points behind Internacional right now.

A victory would add some major pressure to the hosts while it would also potentially move them up two places if other results go their way.

Their most recent outing did lead to them sharing the points though as they drew against Fluminense 2-2 with Patrick and Luciano both getting on the scoresheet in that match.

That was their second draw in a row when it comes to their league outings, and the focus will now be on getting back to winning ways this time around.

---

Team News

Mano Menezes will likely be without several players as they are dealing with a hefty run of injuries right now with Fabricio Bustos, Alexandre Alemao and Rene all unavailable.

On top of that Estevao could be missing once again after he was out of action in their most recent fixture due to COVID-19, as he waits for a negative test to be able to return.

Marcos Guilherme was recently signed by the visitors, but he has not been able to make his debut yet, which could end up taking place this week.

The squad has lost Marquinhos and Gabriel Sara recently during the transfer window, which has stretched the Sao Paulo squad as they prepare for this section of the season.

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Daniel; Heitor, Vitao, Rocha, Moises; Gabriel, Edenilson; De Pena, Mauricio, Henrique; Zurawski

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Jandrei; Rafinha, Costa, Leo, Lanza; Gomes, Costa, Maia, Patrick; Eder, Luciano

---

We say: Internacional 2-2 Sao Paulo

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

---