Sao Paulo vs Criciuma predictions for their Brasileiro affair. Seeking to snap their four-match winless run, Sao Paulo host Criciuma at Estadio do Morumbi in round 12 of the Brasileiro Serie A on Wednesday. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

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Sao Paulo vs Criciuma Predictions

Can Sao Paulo Halt Their Slide Against a Resurgent Criciuma?

On Wednesday, Sao Paulo will aim to break their four-match winless streak as they host Criciuma in round 12 of the Brasileiro Serie A at the Estadio do Morumbi. Criciuma, meanwhile, arrive with confidence, having won their last two fixtures and looking to extend their streak to three consecutive victories.

Recent Form and Team Performances

Sao Paulo’s recent form has been disappointing, suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Vasco da Gama in their last outing. Despite an early goal from Andre Silva, they were outplayed, conceding goals from Guilherme Estrella, Leandrinho, David, and an own goal by Alan Franco. This loss followed a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cuiaba, ending a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Their last victory came on June 2 against Cruzeiro, and since then, they’ve managed only two draws and two losses, placing them ninth in the standings with 15 points from 11 matches.

Criciuma, on the other hand, have shown signs of improvement. They secured a 2-1 victory over Botafogo, with goals from Barreto and Arthur Caike. Prior to this, they defeated Atletico Goianiense 2-1, thanks to strikes from Newton and Miguel Trauco. These wins ended a six-game winless streak, and Criciuma now sit 13th with 12 points from 11 games.

Tactical Approaches and Expected Lineups

Sao Paulo’s Probable Lineup:

• Jandrei
• Vinicius, Diego, Franco, Patryck
• Gustavo, Galoppo, Nestor, Moura
• Andre, Calleri

Criciuma’s Probable Lineup:

• Gustavo
• Jonathan, Fagundes, Figueiredo, Hermes
• Barreto, Ronald, Mateus
• Bolasie, Eder, Trauco

Sao Paulo will likely adopt a possession-based approach, aiming to control the tempo and create opportunities through sustained pressure. Manager Luis Zubeldia might emphasise a high pressing game to exploit Criciuma’s defensive weaknesses. The combination of experienced players like Calleri and dynamic midfielders like Galoppo will be crucial in breaking down the visitors’ defence.

Criciuma, managed by Claudio Tencati, may opt for a counter-attacking strategy, focusing on defensive solidity and swift transitions. With players like Barreto and Bolasie, Criciuma can exploit any spaces left by Sao Paulo’s aggressive play. The defensive pairing of Fagundes and Figueiredo will need to be at their best to contain Sao Paulo’s attacking threats.

Key Areas and Player Battles

The midfield battle will be critical in this match. Sao Paulo’s Galoppo and Nestor will need to dominate possession and create chances, while Criciuma’s Barreto and Ronald will aim to disrupt their flow and initiate counter-attacks. This central duel could significantly influence the outcome, as control of the midfield often dictates the game’s tempo.

Defensively, Sao Paulo’s Diego will be tasked with containing Criciuma’s main attacking threat, Eder. This matchup could be decisive, as Criciuma’s chances of scoring might heavily depend on Eder’s ability to penetrate Sao Paulo’s defence.

Gameplay Expectations

Sao Paulo are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their home advantage. Their average ball possession of 57% suggests they will control the game, pushing Criciuma back and creating numerous chances. However, their defensive frailties, highlighted by conceding 19 goals in 11 matches, could give Criciuma opportunities to score on the break.

Criciuma’s approach will likely be more conservative, focusing on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. Their average possession of 42.8% indicates a willingness to let the opposition have the ball, relying on quick, decisive attacks to create scoring chances.

Analysis and Suggestions for Improvement

Sao Paulo’s Critique and Improvement: Sao Paulo’s season has been plagued by inconsistency and defensive lapses. Manager Luis Zubeldia has struggled to find a balanced setup, often leaving the team vulnerable at the back. The team needs to improve their defensive organisation and reduce individual errors.

Criciuma’s Critique and Improvement: Criciuma have shown potential but lack consistency. Claudio Tencati’s tactical approach has often been too cautious, especially against stronger teams. Criciuma need to be more proactive, taking the game to the opposition rather than sitting back.

Betting Angles and Predictions

Best Bet: Sao Paulo to Win and Both Teams to Score Given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and Sao Paulo’s home advantage, the best bet appears to be Sao Paulo to win and both teams to score. Sao Paulo have shown they can score, but their defence has been leaky, suggesting goals from both sides.

Correct Score Prediction: Sao Paulo 2-1 Criciuma Aligning with the best bet, a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Sao Paulo seems likely. They are expected to control the game but may concede given their defensive issues.

Goalscorer Prediction: Jonathan Calleri to Score Anytime Jonathan Calleri, as Sao Paulo’s key forward, is a prime candidate to score. His positioning and goal-scoring instincts make him a consistent threat.

First Team to Score Prediction: Sao Paulo to Score First Given Sao Paulo’s aggressive approach and home advantage, they are likely to open the scoring. Criciuma might struggle to withstand the initial pressure.

Innovative Market Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target Over 5.5 for Sao Paulo Considering Sao Paulo’s attacking approach and Criciuma’s defensive frailties, Sao Paulo are likely to have several shots on target. Betting on them to exceed 5.5 shots on target is a logical market choice.

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