São Paulo vs Palmeiras – News and Probable Lineups

In the early hours of Sunday, two teams tied on points at the top of the Brasileiro Serie A standings will face off as Sao Paulo welcomes Palmeiras to the MorumBIS.

The home team sits in second due to goal difference, while the league-leading Verdao arrives with a strong recent performance in this matchup, setting the stage for an intense contest in the title race.

Match overview

Sao Paulo approaches this match with the chance to ascend to the top of the table if they manage to claim all three points at home.

After seven games, Tricolor Paulista sits in second place with 16 points, having achieved five victories, one draw, and one loss, scoring 10 goals while conceding only four.

Their only setback came in their last match, a narrow loss to Atletico Mineiro, where Ivan Roman’s goal in the second half proved to be the decisive factor.

This result interrupted their positive run, and they will be eager to bounce back quickly, especially in such a high-stakes fixture.

Following Hernan Crespo’s departure, Roger Machado took charge earlier this month, facing a significant challenge against the league frontrunners.

After ending last season in eighth place, Sao Paulo appears to be showing promising signs of improvement, and a favorable outcome in this match could bolster their status as potential title contenders.

On the other hand, Palmeiras leads the table on goal difference, also with 16 points, knowing that a win here would give them a comfortable advantage at the top.

The Verdao has recorded five wins, one draw, and one loss in their first seven matches, enjoying a strong start to the season.

The only loss they suffered was against Vasco da Gama on matchday five, where they let go of a first-half advantage and lost in the second half.

Palmeiras is currently in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including a recent 2-1 victory over Botafogo.

After finishing second last season, just three points shy of Flamengo, Abel Ferreira’s team looks well-prepared to contend for the title again.

Recent encounters favor the visitors, who triumphed over Sao Paulo 2-1 in the Campeonato Paulista in March and have claimed victory in each of the last five encounters between the teams.

This dominance may provide a psychological advantage leading into this key top-of-the-table battle.

Team News

Sao Paulo will miss Lucas Moura, who is out due to a broken rib and is not expected to return until late April.

Ryan Francisco is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from a long-term cruciate ligament injury suffered in July 2025.

In the forward positions, Jonathan Calleri and Luciano are anticipated to lead the attack, likely receiving support from the flanks.

Defensively, Alan Franco and Sabino are expected to anchor the backline in front of goalkeeper Rafael.

On the other hand, Palmeiras will be without Paulinho, who is out due to a chronic shin injury.

In defence, Agustin Giay, Murilo Cerqueira, Gustavo Gomez, and Arthur Gabriel are anticipated to take their places.

Jose Manuel Lopez, who has scored three goals this season, is expected to once again lead the line.

Sao Paulo probable starting XI:

Raphael; Ramon, Franco, Sabino, Diaz; Bobadilla, Danielzinho, Antonio; Lucas, Calleri, Luciano

Palmeiras probable starting XI:

Miguel; Gabriel, Cerqueira, Gomez, Giay; Pereira, Freitas; Allan, Prado, Arias; Lopez

With both teams equal on points, the match is likely to hinge on fine details. Nevertheless, Palmeiras’ recent strong performances in this matchup give them a slight advantage.