Bragantino v Sao Paulo

Red-Bull’s South American club, Bragantino have been making steady progress since the investment of the energy drinks company, which has increased the ambitions and demands on the side. They have begun the season relatively well but will be looking to kick on. At the weekend, after a hard-fought 2-2 draw in Argentina, Bragantino hosted Atlético Goianiense in what promised to be an exciting fixture. A stunner from Ytalo set the hosts on their way who ended the first half three goals to the good with Natan and Sorriso grabbing the other two for Bragantino. 14 minutes into the restart, Leo Ortiz made sure there was no way back for the away side as Bragantino ran out 4-0 winners with a scintillating display. They will be eager to carry that performance into the game here. Not only were Bragantino great going forward, but at the back they were solid too, with Atletico only managing two shots at goal with an XG of (0.22). Bragantino have made the most from set-pieces, which was shown against Atletico as they scored twice from dead-ball situations, something Sao Paulo will have to be wary of.

Sao Paulo have started the 2022 Brazilian Serie A campaign with one win and one defeat. On the opening day, they enjoyed a 4-0 thumping of Athletico Paranaense, which was backed up by a 2-0 victory in the Copa Sudamericana over Everton de Viña del Mar. Then at the weekend, in their toughest task yet, Sao Paulo suffered a 3-1 loss to Flamengo. In truth, Rogério Ceni’s men were very much second best. They only could manage four efforts in the 90 minutes and must improve here if they want anything out of the game.

When the sides met back in February, in the Paulista State Championship, it was a classic affair with seven goals and a late winner from Bragantino’s Gabriel Novaes. With both teams strong in attack and sloppy at the back, there should be plenty of goals in this one.

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Fluminense v Internacional

Fluminense have been in mixed form, not just with results, but also in their performances. After an opening day draw with Santos, Flu then suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Colombian side Junior. At the weekend, they took on Cuiaba and it looked like the sides were going to settle for a point, until an unfortunate own goal from Cuiaba’s Paulao in the last moments of the match, gifted the away side the three points. On Tuesday evening, Fluminense took on second-tier Vila Nova in the cup and were almost stunned when the underdogs took a 2-0 goal lead in the 57th minute. With just over half of the second half remaining, Flu snapped into life with goals from German, Cano, Ganso and Fred to avoid an upset.

After a slow start to their 2022 Season, Internacional finally earned a much-needed victory last time out with a 2-1 win over last year’s surprise package, Fortaleza. Things didn’t start all rosy, however, on the stroke of half-time Fortaleza took the lead from the penalty spot through Yago Pikachu. Andrés D’Alessandro was playing his final professional game; he made a mark as he equalized moments later, and the sides went into the half-time break all square.  Early into the second half, Fortaleza were once again awarded a penalty, but this time Pikachu hit the post. giving Inter a lifeline. Then in the game’s dying embers, after some stunning build-up play, Alexandre Alemão found the net for his first Brazilian top-flight goal.

With both sides not being at the races and not in their best form, there will be chances at both ends, which should make for a great game. Inter will be Fluminense’s toughest task yet in the league and after their scares in midweek, Internacional will be confident at least getting on the scoresheet, but like Flu, Inter have their own issues at the back, which raises the possibility of goals in this one.

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