Sao Paulo vs Gremio: Match Preview, Odds, and Predictions

Sao Paulo will be looking to avoid a second setback in the Brasileiro when they host third-bottom Gremio at Estádio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo on Wednesday night after their loss to Atletico Mineiro.
 
Gameweek 17's opponent was last season's runners-up; therefore, Tricolor Paulista can only afford to come into the match expecting a victory.
 

Head to Head and Previous Matches

Six days after their shocking loss to Atletico Mineiro—who had lost two in a row and were winless in three before game week 16—Sao Paulo returns to play.
 
The loss ended the club's four-game winning run, which had preceded a four-game losing skid (two draws, two losses).
 
Based on the outcomes of this campaign, Luis Zubeldia hopes to prevent another winless streak, which would provide the hosts with the incentive to win again against weaker opponents.
 
With a three-game winning streak and five victories overall at Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo, a fourth consecutive home victory is in the cards.
 
Cuiaba shocked them at the tail end of June with a 1-0 victory after they played out of their skins in Morumbi, but they have won five of their previous six home games.
 
Since Gremio's relegation history and road results don't exactly inspire confidence, it is unclear whether they will be able to avoid losing to one of the league's top teams.
 
Only three teams have a better record than Clube de Todos this season, with three victories and nine defeats. They are one victory better than Fluminense, currently in last place.
 
On the road, Renato Gaucho's squad looks even worse, as they only managed to steal a point from Porto Alegre, who are now in last place in the league.
 
The travelling contingent hopes for a happy result on their seventh away attempt this term, as they want to avoid falling further behind in the relegation race.
 
The away team is four points below safety, but they have played two excellent games, so things are possible. Vitoria is in sixteenth position, with fifteen points.
 

Sao Paulo x Gremio Team News

 James Rodriguez, who was awarded the best player at the just-finished Copa America, is anticipated to return to club action later. Zubeldia's squad must do without Alan Franco and Luiz Gustavo, who are all banned.
 
Joao Moreira and Pablo Maia are not expected to play on Wednesday due to concerns about their thigh. Juan and Giuliano Galoppo may also not be able to participate due to foot ailments.
 
Gremio will be without Diego Costa (muscular injury), who played for Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, and Walter Kannemann (suspended after a red card in a 2-0 home loss to Cruzeiro).
 
Lucas Milla and Jhonata Robert will also be unable to play because of knee problems, while Andre Henrique will be out with an ankle injury.
 
In a domestic cup match against Operario PR, Everton Galdino scored a goal and is looking to continue his hot streak against the current form team.
 

Our Predictions 
 

Sao Paulo to win @ 1.65 on Sky247.ng

 
Sao Paulo started the season with a loss on their home soil and a point out of six. Since then, they've won 15 of their past 18 games, increasing their chances of finishing better than last season's 11th.
 
They ought to win despite facing a side that has managed only three goals and one point on the road in six games.

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