São Paulo vs Grêmio Prediction: The Paulistas are the favorites

Both teams lost in the last round, but São Paulo's defeat in Belo Horizonte to Atlético Mineiro probably won't affect the players' confidence. Zubeldía's side had won four consecutive games and is in sixth place, six points behind the Brasileirão leaders. Grêmio, meanwhile, lost at home to Cruzeiro, remaining in the relegation zone. The Gaúchos haven't won in three league matches, and confidence is low.

Atlético Mineiro hadn't won at home for over two months, so the defeat was frustrating. São Paulo certainly didn't play a great game, but Alan Franco's red card in the 59th minute made things very difficult for the Paulistas. The team now must return to winning ways and forget the past game. James Rodríguez was the best player at the Copa América, but his future at the club is still uncertain. Zubeldía wants players committed to the team, and the Colombian's attitude will have to change if he wants to succeed at São Paulo. For now, the Paulistas have their minds on beating Grêmio, and if they don't, confidence could drop.

The Immortal hasn't won for three games in the Série A but won in the Copa do Brasil. Grêmio beat Operário 3-1 at home after a 0-0 draw in the first leg. The Gaúchos have qualified for the last 16. The Porto Alegre team is also in the Copa Libertadores, where it will face Fluminense in the Round of 16. Grêmio can dream of winning a trophy this season, but the priority must be the Brasileirão. The Tricolor Gaúcho has announced Jemerson, Monsalve, and Aravena, reinforcing the squad to avoid relegation. For now, only central defender Jemerson can play for São Paulo. Colombian Monsalve and Chilean Aravena have yet to be cleared by the CBF.

It will be a surprise if São Paulo doesn't win the game. The Paulistas are having a much better season than Grêmio, who is struggling in the Brasileirão. In addition, São Paulo has not lost at home to the Porto Alegre side for ten years. The Tricolor Gaúcho has yet to win away in the Série A and will have to play a perfect game to triumph at the Morumbi. I'm betting on a victory for São Paulo.