Sao Paulo vs Santa Cruz Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

There is not an awful lot riding on this game in truth. Santa Cruz have long since been relegated to Serie B while Sao Paulo are guaranteed a place in the Copa Sudamericana next season but can’t reach the Libertadores. Trying to secure a top half finish will be a minor aim for them but it will still go down as a disappointing season for both clubs.

In recent weeks though, they’ve both shown a bit more life in front of goal. Sao Paulo have won 4 of their last 7 games including impressive wins over Corinthians and high-flying Atletico Mineiro so they should come into this game with a bit of confidence at last. They’ve won 44% of their home games this season which isn’t brilliant but have taken 7 points from their last 3 at home and up against already relegated opposition, a home win certainly looks the most likely outcome here.

Santa Cruz matches are generally a good watch though and they do pack quite a punch in the final third for a side as low down the league as they are. Grafite is the joint 2nd highest scorer in the league and stands a chance of catching Fred who is only one goal ahead in the race for the Golden Boot so he’ll be motivated here while Keno is also in double figures and both players will surely be eyeing up a move to another top flight team for next term.

They’ve performed better since relegation if anything racking up a 5-1 win over Gremio last time out, although their opponents did rest virtually their entire first eleven. Their overall away record though makes for grim reading. They average just 0.44 points per game on the road, losing 67% of their away fixtures. There have also been over 2.5 goals in 67% of their away matches this season so there looks to be real logic in backing Sao Paulo to win & Over 2.5 goals at 6/5 here.