Preview: Sao Paulo vs. Chapecoense - prediction, team news, lineups

Struggling sides Sao Paulo and Chapecoense face off at Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A on Wednesday evening.

The hosts have taken one point from their first three games this season, which is an identical record to opponents Chapecoense.

Match preview

© Reuters

Sao Paulo finished fourth in the standings last season, but that seems a long time ago now as they are currently languishing in 17th place.

Hernan Crespo's men drew 0-0 with Fluminense in their opener and have fired blanks in their following two games, losing 2-0 to Atletico Goianiense and 1-0 to Atletico Mineiro.

That three game scoreless streak to begin the campaign will be of particular worry to former striker Crespo, who was only appointed by the Soberano in February.

There was a 9-1 triumph against lower-division side 4 de Julho in the domestic cup during that run, but goals are proving hard to come by in the Brazilian top flight.

© Reuters

Chapecoense are also struggling to find the back of the net, doing so just once so far in their first three league games of the 2020 campaign.

That goal came courtesy of a consolation Gabriel Busanello strike in a 3-1 loss to Palmeiras a couple of weeks ago.

The Big Green have also lost 3-0 to RB Bragantino and drawn 0-0 with Ceara so far, leaving them 18th in their first season back at this level following a one-year absence.

Jair Ventura's side lost 3-0 to Sao Paulo the last time the two teams met in November 2019, while that year's other fixture finished 4-0 to the Soberano.

Team News

© Reuters

Ezequiel and Joilson remain fitness doubts for Chapecoense, while Alan Santos, Leo Gomes and Mike also missed the stalemate with Ceara.

Anselmo Ramon led the line in that most recent match, but Ventura may decide to change things here by going with Pedro Perotti up top.

As for Sao Paulo, Dani Alves and Martin Benitez are their two main injury doubts.

Robert Arboleda will also play no part as he is away on Copa America duty with Ecuador, so Miranda, Leo and Bruno Alves will continue to operate at the back.

Elsewhere, Antonio Galeano is pushing for a recall after replacing Gabriel Sara an hour into the 1-0 loss at Atletico MG last time out.

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Volpi; Leo, Miranda, Alves; Vinicius, Liziero, Nestor, Reinaldo; Luciano, Pablo, Sara

Chapecoense possible starting lineup:
Tiepo; Ribeiro, Derlan, Laercio, Busanello; Lima, Ronei, Ribeiro; Fabinho, Perotti, Fernandinho

We say: Sao Paulo 0-0 Chapecoense

Sao Paulo boss Crespo will be worried by his side's slow start to the season, with a lack of goals costing his team so far.

With opponents Chapecoense also struggling in the early stages of the campaign, we can see a goalless draw playing out on Wednesday.