América-MG vs São Paulo Prediction: América has no choice but to fight if it wants salvation

This match pairs two teams still in action in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals. Both América-MG and São Paulo lost their first-leg matches this week. In a Brazilian clash, the Miners lost 3-1 at home to the Cearense side Fortaleza, while São Paulo lost 2-1 in Ecuador against Liga de Quito. América is in last place in the Série A with just ten points and must do much better in the league to avoid relegation. The defeat against Fortaleza will probably lead to the Miners' elimination from the Copa Sudamericana and make the team realize that the players should focus on the Brasileirão. The good international performance showed that the team has some quality. The Rabbit has to fight hard if it wants salvation. São Paulo, on the other hand, will probably rest some players for the second leg against Quito. Passage to the semi-finals is still possible in a competition the Paulistas want to win.

The Rabbit has not won in Série A for ten matches, and its situation is very complicated. Despite scoring first, in the last round at the Maracanã, the team allowed Fluminense to turn the game around and win 3-1. América-MG urgently needs a win to boost the players' morale, who are doubting their ability to avoid relegation. The Belo Horizonte's side is 11 points clear of the relegation zone but has a game in hand against Vasco da Gama at home, another team in danger of relegation. América must win rapidly, or the gap to the teams higher up the table could widen.

The Tricolor has yet to win away from home in the Brasileirão, and a match with the last-placed team seems ideal to end the streak. There is, however, the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana to play a few days later and the fatigue from the first leg to manage. Dorival Júnior may change the team for the upcoming fixture with América-MG, but the coach knows that a negative result at the Independência could affect the team's confidence. The Paulistas are in 10th place in the league, in the final of the Copa do Brasil, and in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals. In round 20, São Paulo came close to beating leader Botafogo, but the match ended in a goalless draw.

It's hard to bet on América when the results are constantly negative. São Paulo may not field its best team, but it will be looking to win away for the first time. However, América's need for points is urgent. Considering this, I will use a Double Chance in favor of São Paulo with a goal limit.