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

Sao Paulo and Racing Club meet on Tuesday evening knowing that victory will secure their progress through to the Copa Libertadores last 16.

The two teams are locked on eight points in Group E, holding a five-point advantage over third-placed Rentistas with two games remaining.

Match preview

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When being appointed as the new Sao Paulo manager in February, Hernan Crespo knew that it was imperative that the Brazilian outfit qualified for the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores.

While Tricolor Paulista are not over the line just yet, claiming two wins and two draws from four fixtures will be regarded as a solid return by the club's hierarchy.

With a home fixture against Sporting Cristal still to come, Crespo will be confident that their place in the next round will soon be confirmed, but the legendary Argentine will want to extend an unbeaten streak which has now last 13 matches.

After four draws in succession, Sao Paulo defeated Ferroviaria in the Paulista A1 to get back on track, eventually prevailing by a 4-2 scoreline.

Nevertheless, Crespo will be judged on this competition, and he will want to bounce back after the frustrating 1-1 draw at Rentistas last week.

As far as Racing Club are concerned, Juan Antonio Pizzi knows that inconsistency is preventing his side from being regarded as major players on both the domestic and continental scene.

On the positive side, Racing Club still sit just four points adrift of first place in the Argentine top flight despite claiming just six wins from 13 fixtures.

However, Pizzi's team have not posted three victories in succession since the back end of March, a return deemed unsatisfactory given that 12 games have been played during that period.

Ahead of Sunday's meeting with Velez Sarsfield, Racing Club have kept three clean sheets in a row, a streak which has been put together after six outings without a shutout.

While goals are still proving to be an issue at the other end, Tomas Chancalay has netted four times in his last three appearances.

Team News

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Crespo will consider making alterations to his Sao Paulo side after they failed to overcome Rentistas in Montevideo.

Antonio Galeano and Paulinho Bola are pushing for opportunities on the flanks, while Martin Benitez is expected to feature after starring against Ferroviaria.

Having scored as a substitute last time out, Chancalay is likely to be brought back into the Racing Club team on the right wing.

Eugenio Mena is an alternative to Ignacio Galvan at left wing-back, while Ignacio Piatti should also feature in the final third.

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Perri; Diego, Rodrigo, Alves; Orejuela, Nestor, Gomes, Wellington; Bola, Benitez, Bueno

Racing Club possible starting lineup:

Arias; Pillud, Dominguez, Novillo; Schelotto, Lopez, Moreno, Mena; Chancalay, Lovera, Piatti

We say: Sao Paulo 0-0 Racing Club

While being wary of the threat of Rentistas, both teams may feel that avoiding defeat will suit them heading into matchday six. With their respective backlines having impressed in this competition, do not be surprised to see a goalless draw play out on Tuesday evening.