Corinthians vs São Paulo – News and Probable Lineups

Corinthians and Sao Paulo are set to face off this Sunday, May 10, at the Neo Quimica Arena in the 15th round of the Brasileirao. The first Majestoso of the 2026 season is anticipated to be one of the most unbalanced editions of the derby in recent memory, given the stark contrast in the two teams’ positions in the league standings.

The two teams approach this fixture from distinctly different standings, with Sao Paulo comfortably positioned in the top four while Corinthians finds themselves in the relegation zone, adding further weight to this clash, one of Brazil’s most significant football events, as both clubs aim to strengthen their respective campaigns.

Match overview

Corinthians enter this iteration of the Majestoso amid a season of mixed fortunes, currently in 17th place in the Brasileirao with 15 points from 14 matches, having achieved three wins, six draws, and five losses. Their descent into the relegation zone was confirmed following a 2-1 defeat to Mirassol last Sunday, which ended an unbeaten streak established since Fernando Diniz took the helm in April.

In the Copa Libertadores, however, Corinthians’ narrative is quite different. They lead Group E with ten points from four matches, recording three victories and one draw. Most recently, their thrilling 1-1 draw against Independiente Santa Fe in Bogota, equalized by Gustavo Henrique during stoppage time, secured their advancement to the round of 16, making them the first Brazilian club to qualify for the knockout phase.

Corinthians’ form across the Brasileirao, Copa Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil showcases their competitiveness, with Diniz guiding the team to five wins, three draws, and a solitary loss in nine matches.

Prior to the setback against Mirassol, they had strung together five victories and two draws without conceding a goal—a remarkable level of defensive consistency not seen in recent years.

At the Neo Quimica Arena, Corinthians have been particularly resilient under Diniz, starting with a goalless stalemate against Palmeiras in the Brasileirao, followed by consecutive wins against Santa Fe, Vasco, and Penarol.

They have maintained consecutive clean sheets in their last two home fixtures, enhancing the perception that Itaquera is once again becoming a fortress ahead of this derby.

Conversely, Roger Machado’s Sao Paulo arrives in a much more stable situation, currently in fourth place in the Brasileirao with 24 points from 14 matches, having achieved seven wins, three draws, and four defeats, just three points behind second-placed Flamengo, thus remaining competitive near the top of the table.

However, their away performance tells a less encouraging story, with Sao Paulo managing only three wins, one draw, and four losses on their travels—this discrepancy raises concerns ahead of the challenging derby confrontation.

These worries are compounded by their recent encounters at Itaquera, where they drew 1-1 in the Paulistao this January, having previously faced a 3-1 defeat to Corinthians during the 34th round of the 2025 Brasileirao.

In knockout competitions, however, Sao Paulo has yet to be defeated. Their latest game involved a heavily rotated squad that secured a goalless draw against O’Higgins in Chile during the fourth round of the Copa Sudamericana, which helped them maintain their position atop Group C with eight points and a flawless defensive record in the tournament.

Sao Paulo now takes on a Corinthians squad whose domestic unpredictability has been offset by their increasing strength at home, and it is this more dependable iteration of Fernando Diniz’s team at the Neo Quimica Arena that Roger Machado’s squad must conquer if they hope to maintain their impressive run with a favorable derby outcome.

Team News

Corinthians are currently grappling with several significant absences within their squad, as Memphis Depay continues his recovery from a left thigh injury, while Vitinho is sidelined due to hip pain and Kayke is also not available for selection.

In the midfield, Andre is serving a suspension issued by the Brazilian football disciplinary tribunal, Allan will miss out due to yellow card accumulation, and Charles is still rehabilitating from a heel injury.

Defensively, center-back Pedro Tchoca is undergoing treatment for a groin issue, while left-back Hugo is still recovering after having surgery on the meniscus in his right knee.

Sao Paulo, on the other hand, do not have any suspended players but contend with a lengthy injury list, with Marcos Antonio ruled out until the end of May due to a thigh issue.

Alan Franco continues to be unavailable with a groin injury, and right-back Lucas Ramon is sidelined with a calf problem. Additionally, Lucas Moura, Pablo Maia, Maik, Rafael Toloi, and Ryan Francisco are also absent.

Corinthians probable starting XI:

Souza; Matheuzinho, Paulista, Henrique, Bidu; Raniele, Bidon, Carrillo (Matheus Pereira or Kaio Cesar), Garro; Alberto, Lingard

Sao Paulo probable starting XI:

Raphael; Cedric, Doria, Sabino, Wendell; Bobadilla, Danielzinho, Cauly; Luciano, Artur, Calleri

The dynamics surrounding the derby seem to favor Corinthians, given their strengthening at Itaquera under Fernando Diniz, combined with Sao Paulo’s inconsistent performances away from home and the recent head-to-head results, suggesting a slim victory for the hosts.

While Sao Paulo possesses enough offensive talent to pose a threat and possibly score, Corinthians’ well-organized defensive setup and the support of the home crowd at the Neo Química Arena are likely to play a key role in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.

A win would offer Corinthians a crucial lift in the league standings while further establishing the Neo Química Arena’s growing reputation as a stronghold under Diniz.