Criciúma vs São Paulo Prediction: Expect a balanced game

Criciúma drew away to Botafogo in the last round, so will welcome São Paulo confident of a good result. The Coalmen are in 12th place but are not out of the woods yet. The Paulistas are in fifth place, fighting to qualify for the Copa Libertadores, so they're also looking for a win.

Botafogo was unanimously considered the favorite against Criciúma at the Maracanã, but football is full of surprises, and the game ended in a draw. The Catarinenses managed to block Botafogo's offensive movements in midfield, causing difficulties for the Cariocas in the build-up play. Despite their natural attacking flair and more time with the ball, the Brasileirão leaders couldn't break into the Criciúma box and had to shoot from distance to attempt to score. The Catarinenses tried counter-attacking whenever possible, showing ambition to win the match. As the game neared its end, Botafogo's pressure increased, and finally, Tiquinho Soares scored in the 91st minute. The fans of the Lone Star club were still celebrating when Criciúma equalized through Vizeu in the 94th minute, silencing the stands of the legendary stadium.

In a game played in Campinas, the Tricolor Paulista gave Vasco da Gama no chance and won 3-0. Luciano opened the scoring in the 9th minute, and the early goal gave São Paulo peace of mind. In the first minute of the second half, Lucas Moura made it 2-0, virtually deciding the game because Vasco had the second leg of the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil to play a few days later. Lucas Moura scored the third goal for his team in the 67th minute, setting up the final result. São Paulo is in fifth place, just one point behind Flamengo, although the Rio side has a game in hand. Fourth place, which grants direct access to the Copa Libertadores group stage, is still attainable.

The draw against Botafogo gives confidence to the Tiger ahead of the match against São Paulo, but this game should be different. The home team will take more risks, and the Paulistas can exploit the gaps in Criciúma's defense. The game will probably be balanced, and whoever scores first will have a strong chance of winning. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of São Paulo with a maximum of three goals scored.