São Paulo vs Vitória Prediction: The Paulistas want to reach the G4

After securing qualification for the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, São Paulo will host Vitória in a game where it is the favorite. The Tricolor Paulista is in sixth place, just three points behind fourth-place rival Palmeiras. Any team finishing the Série A in the top four will qualify for the group stage of next year's Copa Libertadores.

Luis Zubeldía's men did their duty and beat Nacional de Montevideo 2-0 to qualify for the next stage of the biggest club competition in South America. São Paulo has won the Copa Libertadores three times and dreams of becoming the first Brazilian team to lift the trophy for a fourth time. In the quarter-finals, São Paulo will face Botafogo, the Brasileirão leader. Against Vitória, in the upcoming league match, the Paulistas will have to play without some key players. Pablo Maia, Ferreira, and Alisson are still injured, while Luciano and Nestor received red cards in the derby against Palmeiras.

The Barra's Lion drew 2-2 at home to Cruzeiro after taking a two-goal lead. The home team's goals were scored by Osvaldo from the penalty spot in the 25th minute and Alerrandro four minutes later with a magnificent bicycle kick. However, Neris received a red card in the 38th minute, leaving Vitória with ten players. Cruzeiro pushed hard in the second half and intensified the crosses into the Baianos' box. Dinenno scored two headers in the 78th and 84th minutes to set up the final result. Vitória is in 16th place with 22 points and is close to the relegation zone.

São Paulo is motivated by being among the last eight clubs in the Copa Libertadores and is the favorite against Vitória. The Paulistas are sixth in the league but aim to finish in the top four. Vitória needs points, but it's tricky to play at the Morumbi. Thiago Carpini leads Vitoria, but he started the season in charge of São Paulo. Although Carpini knows São Paulo's players well, I will bet on the home team to win.