Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Brazilian Serie A match.
Following a gruelling encounter in the Majestic Derby, the upcoming fixture against Juventude may seem more manageable for São Paulo. However, the two sides are separated by just four places and five points in the league standings.
Juventude
Juventude remain entrenched in the relegation zone. One win and one draw from their last five matches have done little to shift their trajectory. The team failed to find the net in each of their three defeats during that stretch. The 51-year-old manager Claudio Tencati assumed control just before this run and has yet to inspire a turnaround. The squad clearly lacks both depth and quality, ranking second from bottom in overall squad strength.
São Paulo
Their home win over Corinthians Paulista came at a cost. Midway through the first half, São Paulo lost a key figure in their midfield trio, Oscar Emboaba. He sustained a serious back injury after a heavy fall, suffering fractures to three transverse processes in his lumbar spine. The former Chelsea midfielder is expected to be out of action for four to eight weeks. Despite the setback, the team secured the result thanks to an explosive five-minute burst late in the first half, during which Luciano da Rocha Neves scored twice.
Juventude vs São Paulo Prediction
If even Corinthians Paulista struggled to withstand São Paulo’s intensity, it is difficult to envision Juventude coping successfully. A single goal may well be enough, as the hosts are likely to sit deep but lack the resilience to repel sustained attacks.
