São Paulo vs Coritiba – News and Probable Lineups

This Sunday, Sao Paulo is set to host Coritiba at Morumbi Stadium in round 23 of the 2026 Brasileiro. This match marks the Tricolor’s return to their home ground after completing pitch renovations.

The home team is striving to break an eight-match winless streak in the league, aiming to climb out of the lower parts of the table.

On the other hand, Coritiba visits in 10th place with 30 points, seeking an away victory to maintain their position in the league’s upper half.

Match overview

Sao Paulo finds themselves without a win in their last eight matches in the Brasileiro. Their most recent league victory was on April 25 when they defeated Mirassol 1-0.

Since that match, Dorival Junior’s squad has incurred five losses and three draws, sliding to 12th place with 26 points. A lack of defensive solidity has compounded their troubles, as they have conceded seven goals in their past five league games.

A busy fixture schedule has impacted the team’s physical readiness. In addition to their league commitments, the Tricolor played to a 1-1 draw with Bolivar in the Copa Sudamericana first leg at altitude in La Paz and are now focused on the crucial return match scheduled for next week.

Historical results favor Sao Paulo in their encounters with Coritiba. Earlier this season in round four, the Tricolor managed a 1-0 win at Couto Pereira thanks to a 57th-minute strike from Cauly.

Coritiba is solidifying their stance in the top division after clinching the Serie B title last year. Managed by Fernando Seabra, they currently sit in 10th place with 30 points acquired over 22 matches, an impressive feat for a newly promoted team.

Their recent away performances at Couto Pereira have prompted the coaching staff to reassess their strategies. Coritiba has recorded only one victory in their last five away fixtures in Serie A (with three losses and a draw). Nevertheless, they still hold the third-best away record in the league.

The potential absence of midfielder Josue may restrict their attacking capabilities. Josue picked up a thigh muscle injury in the last round and is uncertain for the match, which places additional pressure on Joaquin Lavega and Breno Lopes to drive the attack.

The last encounter between these two teams at Morumbi concluded with Sao Paulo winning 2-1 in the 2023 Serie A. Overall, Sao Paulo leads this fixture with nine wins, nine draws, and five victories for Coritiba.

Team News

Sao Paulo will be without a number of key players. Lucas Moura is out for the season due to an Achilles injury, while winger Artur and full-back Maik are both unavailable because of muscle issues.

In defense, Rafael Toloi and Sabino are also absent, necessitating adjustments at the back. The position alongside Robert Arboleda is likely to be filled by either promising youngster Luis Osorio or new acquisition Domingos Duarte. Meanwhile, striker Ryan Francisco is set to return to the squad.

Coritiba also faces several confirmed long-term absences. Goalkeeper Pedro Rangel is out following knee surgery and is not expected to return until late September, while striker Lucas Ronier is sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury.

The fitness levels of Josue, Brian Ocampo, and Bruno Melo will be assessed ahead of the match. Defensive midfielder Jacy sustained a minor ankle sprain last match but has practiced fully and is available for selection.

Sao Paulo probable starting XI:

Raphael; Ramon, Arboleda, Duarte, Wendell; Bobadilla, Maia; Ferreira, Luciano, Cauly; Calleri

Coritiba probable starting XI:

Morisco; Tinga, Coser, Maranhao, Jonatan; SANTOS, Gomez; Lavega, Paulista, Lopes; Rock

The attacking trio of Jonathan Calleri, Luciano, and Ferreira have been pivotal, contributing to 17 of Sao Paulo’s 26 goals in the Brazilian Championship. Their return to Morumbi after an extended absence of over three weeks should enhance their attacking effectiveness.

Coritiba has the pace and quality to pose a threat, with Joaquin Lavega and Pedro Rocha likely to exploit weaknesses in a Sao Paulo defense featuring Robert Arboleda and Luis Osorio. Given the defensive uncertainties on both sides, a home victory with both teams likely scoring appears to be the most probable outcome.