São Paulo vs Athletico-PR Prediction: Athletico is in big trouble

São Paulo hosts Athletico-PR in a game where the visitors can't lose to avoid aggravating their difficult situation in the table. The Paranaenses are currently in a relegation position with a game in hand against Atlético Mineiro. São Paulo can take advantage of the opponent's vulnerability.

The Tricolor Paulista remains in sixth place but has extended its advantage over seventh-placed Bahia and now has better chances of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. In the last round, São Paulo won 3-0 precisely against Bahia, in a direct duel for a place in the G6, showing clear superiority over its opponent. Luiz Gustavo, Wellington Rato, and Lucas Moura scored the goals for the Paulistas, who produced their best display of recent times. Zubeldía's men will want to win again as they didn't give up on reaching fourth place.

The Hurricane lost at home to Vitória, a close competitor in the relegation battle, in an unexpected and terrible result. Athletico opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Julimar but two minutes later conceded the equalizer, which unsettled the team. In the second half, the visitors made it 2-1 in the 65th minute, and the Paranaenses couldn't find the calm and confidence to overcome the adversity. Coach Lucho González will struggle to choose his starting eleven against São Paulo, as his team has many injured players. Athletico is in trouble and will continue to suffer until the end of the Brasileirão.

The Curitiba side will have to fight hard to bring home points. The Paranaenses lack confidence and won't be at full strength due to various injuries, so expectations aren't high. São Paulo picked up a crucial 3-0 win away to Bahia to virtually secure sixth place. The Paulistas haven't played at the Morumbi for 45 days and will want to give their fans something to cheer about. I'm backing São Paulo to win with a maximum of five goals scored in the game.