Cuiabá vs São Paulo Prediction: The Paulistas will be looking for their first away win

This match of round 16 of the Brasileirão puts Cuiabá, the 13th-placed team, and São Paulo, the 4th-placed team, head-to-head. Both teams are doing a championship somewhat above expectations. Cuiabá, as expected, is in the bottom half of the table but is seven points above Z4, the relegation zone, which gives the team some peace of mind. São Paulo, who has already changed its coach this season, has a position granting direct access to the Copa Libertadores. Despite being a big club, this league position is unexpected as the Tricolor recently has not been performing at a high level. It was 9th in the last Brasileirão and 13th two years ago. The Paulista team lacks confidence in away games, where they have not won yet. São Paulo has here a good opportunity as Cuiabá has only won once at home and has been stronger playing away.

The Dourado was in the spotlight in the last round, winning 1-0 away against Fortaleza. No team had won before at the Castelão in this Brasileirão, so it was a morale-boosting result. Cuiabá was somewhat fortunate, admittedly, as Fortaleza hit the posts three times, but the win cannot be considered accidental. It was the fourth away win in the championship for the team from Mato Grosso. Things have not been going so well at the Arena Pantanal, as the team has been showing some problems taking over the game. Cuiabá is undoubtedly in a good moment, they have managed seven points in the last three games, but they still need to improve their performance in front of their fans.

The Tricolor Paulista is highly motivated by recent results. São Paulo eliminated rivals Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil and comfortably beat Santos 4-1 in the last round of the Brasileirão. In a few days, there is one more cup game, the first leg of the semi-finals against another rival, Corinthians, and perhaps Dorival Jr. can make some changes in the starting lineup for this match. In any case, São Paulo will try to get its first away win and improve its poor performance so far away from home, with only four points won.

Both teams are confident but will play where they have picked up the fewest points. Cuiabá has only won once at home, and São Paulo has never won away from home in the Brasileirão. Either way, I am leaning toward a draw or win for São Paulo. I will use a double chance with several goals scored to be safer.