In the early hours of Thursday, Internacional and Sao Paulo face off at the Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda in the Brazilian Serie A.
Internacional form guideThe home team heads into this clash on the back of a four-game unbeaten run in Serie A. Last time out, Internacional drew 0-0 against Goias, which saw them keep a fourth straight clean sheet in the Brazilian top flight. The clean sheets have contributed to their last five games, producing under 2.5 goals.
Despite their recent unbeaten run in all competitions, Internacional have failed to win any of their last ten Serie A games. Their main recent problem in the Brazilian top flight has been a lack of goals, as they have failed to score in seven of their last ten matches.
Internacional have failed to win in their last five home matches in the Brazilian top-flight, having picked up just three draws and suffered two defeats. Their recent home games have been relatively low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in six of their last nine outings.
Sao Paulo form guideThe visitors have hit a bump in the road of late, as they have won just once in their previous four matches in all competitions. Last time out, Sao Paulo won 1-0 against LDU Quito but suffered elimination from the Copa Libertadores in a penalty shootout.
Dorival Junior’s team has struggled for victories in the Brazilian top flight of late, as they have failed to win in their last six league matches.
Sao Paulo also has a poor away record in Serie A, as they have failed to win in their previous ten away games in the league, as they have claimed five draws and suffered five defeats on their travels.
What am I backing?Neither team has been in great form of late, so they may approach this game with slight trepidation. I can see this being an even game, which leads me to back the draw.