Água Santa vs Corinthians Prediction: Água Santa must win to qualify

The headline might suggest that Corinthians is already qualified for the quarter-finals and Água Santa hasn't yet, but that's not the case. Against all odds, Corinthians has no qualification chances, so this will be its last game in the competition. The home team can reach the knockout stage, but it needs to win to make it. Still, Água Santa will only have a chance if Ponte Preta loses to Santo André.

Água Santa's last match was not for the Paulistão but for the Copa do Brazil. In a thrilling duel against Vasco da Gama, Água Santa, which plays in the Série D, was close to knocking the Cariocas out, losing on penalties after a 3-3 draw at the end of the game. Vasco's third goal came in the 93rd minute in a miraculous equalizer. The Neptune showed quality against a good team and will try to beat Corinthians. The Diadema side must win and hope that Ponte Preta loses its game. Two straight defeats in the Paulistão against São Bernardo and Novorizontino have put Água Santa in a difficult position.

The Timão was the biggest disappointment in the Brasileirão last year and this Paulistão edition. The early exit from the competition shows that the club is far from its best. Even so, the arrival of Portuguese coach António Oliveira at the club has improved the team, but it was too little too late to qualify for the quarter-finals. Corinthians will play for the honor against Água Santa without António Oliveira on the bench, suspended for yellow cards.

Água Santa will give everything to win. The Diadema team doesn't depend on itself to guarantee qualification for the quarter-finals as it has to hope for a Ponte Preta defeat, but the drive to beat Corinthians will be there. The Timão is already eliminated and will only be playing for its honor. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of the home side.