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

Sao Paulo will continue their search for a first league victory of the season on Thursday, when they take on Corinthians in Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A action.

Having failed to win any of their seven games so far, Hernan Crespo's men currently sit in the relegation zone, while their opponents are five points better off in 11th spot.

Match preview

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Corinthians come into this game looking to stretch their unbeaten run to four league games, having collected five points from their last three outings.

That run started with an impressive point in a goalless draw away from home against Bahia, who sat in the top four at the time.

Sylvinho's men then recorded their second league win of the season, defeating Sport Recife 2-1 thanks to an Iago Maidana goal on the stroke of half time and a Jo goal early in the second half.

They then played out another draw last time out, which may have been slightly more disappointing for the Timao as they led 1-0 against a Fluminense side who were reduced to 10 men five minutes into the second half, only for Juan Cazares to equalise in the 70th minute to force Sylvinho's side to share the points.

They will aim to extend that unbeaten run and make an immediate return to winning ways on Thursday, as they take on a Sao Paulo side who are yet to taste victory in league action this season.

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Hernan Crespo's side currently sit in 17th spot in the top flight with four points from their opening seven games, just two points ahead of basement side Gremio who have two games in hand.

They do come into this clash with three draws from their last four games, though, including consecutive draws in their last two matches.

The Tricolor Paulista picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with Ceara last time out, as they drew level through a Gabriel Dias own goal after Jorginho's opener for the hosts.

Before that, O Clube da Fe drew 2-2 with Cuiaba on home turf after trailing 2-1.

Martin Benitez put Crespo's side ahead in the 18th minute, but goals from Rafael Gava and Elton turned the game on its head before Gabriel Sara netted Sao Paulo's second to level the game on the stroke of half time.

While they have had a particularly underwhelming start to the campaign by their own standards, Sao Paulo could climb out of the drop zone if they manage to build on the recent draws and record their first league win of the season.

Team News

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Experienced forward Jo will lead the line for Corinthians, having netted his first two league goals of the season in the last two games.

They are without a long list of players through injuries as Luan, Gabriel Pareira, Caique Franca and Leo Natel are all expected to remain out of action.

Meanwhile, Ruan Oliveira and Gustavo Mantuan are yet to feature this season due to long-term ligament issues.

Sao Paulo have also been hit by several injuries, such as Gabriel Sara, who missed the last game after scoring the equaliser against Cuiaba.

He is joined on the sidelines by Miranda, William da Silva, Walce and Luciano, limiting Sylvinho's options coming into the game.

Forward Eder will aim to add to his tally, having only netted one goal in seven league appearances so far this season.

Former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves remains a key man on the flank for Sao Paulo at the age of 38, and they could rely on his experience if they are to pick up a result.

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Fagner, Victor, Gil, Piton; Gabriel, Xavier; Mosquito, Vitinho, Araos; Jo

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Volpi; Costa, B Alves, Reinaldo; D Alves, Welington, Liziero, Gomes, Nestor; Eder, Bueno

We say: Corinthians 1-1 Sao Paulo

While Sao Paulo should have enough to hold Corinthians to a draw, they have failed to show the firepower to get over the line and seal a win so far this season, and we do not see them getting past a side who have not suffered a defeat in their last three games.

They will be desperate for another result after back-to-back draws, though, and we expect them to collect a point on Thursday.