Sport Recife vs Corinthians Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Sunday’s Brazilian Serie A action sees Sport Recife hosting reigning champions Corinthians. The home side will be looking to spring a surprise by picking up the 3 points.

Sport boss Claudinei Oliveira has made a strong start to life in the Leão dugout since replacing Nelsinho Baptista, picking up 6 points from his opening 3 league games in charge, moving his troops up into mid-table after 5 rounds of fixtures. That’s around about where the hosts are expected to finish this season, as they look to stay out of the relegation scrap they were dragged into last season.

Though Oliveira managed to lead the team to a rare win on the road against Parana, it’s clear that most of Sport’s points this season are going to come on home soil, with showings on their own patch simply fantastic so far this year. Sport remain unbeaten in 10 home outings in 2018, 7 of which victories, leaving confidence very high in picking up a result on Sunday.

Said hopes are only boosted by the fact Corinthians have had very little time to recover from their gruelling mid-week trip to Venezuela for a Copa Libertadores clash with CD Lara, which they won 7-2. Though the visitors were fantastic in that game, preparations for the game have not been ideal, with iconic boss Fabio Carille rumoured to be on the brink of signing a big money contract with Saudi Arabians Al Hilal.

Losing Carille would be a simply huge blow for Timao. Despite not having the strongest squad on paper, the 44 year old has had the side performing as Brazil’s undisputed top dogs since he came in and retaining the Serie A title will be very difficult if he does indeed depart. Corinthians have once again looked sharp this season, currently level on points with leaders Flamengo, but travelling to such a strong host with uncertainty as regards the manager’s future, it remains to be seen if the visitors will perform to usual levels.

Corinthians look vulnerable coming into this one, exhausted and deflated with their mastermind set to move on to pastures new. The last place you want to travel with any sort of weakness is Recife, and Sport will surely be licking their lips at having caught the reigning champions at just the right time.

All things considered, backing a Sport win simply has to be the way to play. They’ve looked a real force with the fans behind them and in strong from since Oliveira came in, they should be able to claim the 3 points. The hosts have won 7 of their last 10 home games against Corinthians and there looks to be no reason to suggest they cannot extend that streak, with a 2-0 margin of victory on the cards.

Sport Recife possible starting XI: Magrao; Winck, Alves, Ernando, Sander; Moura, Andselmo, Gabriel; Rogerio, Marques, Bastos.

Corinthians possible starting XI: Cassio; Mantuan, Balbuena, Henrique, Sidcley; Maycon, Roberto, Gabriel, Rodriguinho, Vital; Dutra.