Internacional - Sao Paulo predictions and free betting tips [13/06/2024]

Today as part of the 8th round of the Brazilian Serie A, Internacional will host São Paulo. While the visitors are in fourth place in the standings with 13 points, the hosts are just three points behind, having played two fewer matches.

Internacional

Internacional have won three consecutive matches in their league: against Cuiabá (0:1), Bahia (2:1), and the reigning champions Palmeiras (0:1). Consequently, the red-and-whites have secured 10 points in just five opening rounds, six points fewer than the current leaders Botafogo (16 points after eight matches). Los Colorados have also performed well in the Copa Sudamericana, winning their last two matches – against Tomayapo (0:2) and Delfín (1:0) thanks to goals from Lucas Alario. These two victories allowed the hosts to finish second in their group, and thus Eduardo Coudet's charges will face Rosario Central in the first round of the tournament's playoffs in July.

It's worth noting that Internacional have won only two of their last six home matches across all competitions, and have scored more than one goal only once during this period.

Recently sidelined Wanderson and striker Lucca (21) have returned to the main group and are likely to be available for the match. However, this does not apply to reserve goalkeeper Ivan (26), who is still experiencing health problems.

Lucas Alario performed excellently in the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana, scoring two goals, and is expected to spearhead the attack. Meanwhile, his teammate Rafael Borré (also with two goals) has joined his national team for the Copa América, along with Sergio Rochet and Enner Valencia.

Centre-back Gabriel Mercado will serve a one-match suspension on Friday due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

São Paulo

São Paulo hold the 4th place in the standings but are only three points ahead of their upcoming opponents, having played two more games. The six-time Brazilian champions are unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions (9 wins and 2 draws), including three consecutive victories – over Águia de Marabá in the Round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil (2:0, 5:1 on aggregate), Argentine side Talleres Córdoba in the final round of the Copa Libertadores group stage (2:0), and in the last league game against Cruzeiro (2:0), with goals from Lucas Moura and Jonathan Calleri.

Regarding the Copa Libertadores, the victory over Córdoba allowed Tricolor to top their group and advance directly to the Round of 16. It's noteworthy that the visitors have scored at least twice in seven of their last eight matches (the exception being a goalless draw with Barcelona Guayaquil).

The team will have to manage without defender João Moreira, who was injured in the previous round; midfielder Pablo Maia (4 goals last season), former Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha, and Rato are also in the infirmary. Damián Bobadilla is serving a two-match suspension but has travelled for national team duty with Paraguay for the Copa América; the same applies to Colombian star James Rodríguez and Venezuelan centre-back Nahuel Ferraresi.

Calleri (2 goals in the league) is certain to spearhead the attack, as he shone in the Copa Libertadores, notching three goals in the group stage. Young Luis Gustavo will handle the creative duties in midfield alongside Alisson, while winger Ferreirinha will contest for a flank spot with Juan Santos or Rodrigo Nestor.

Head-to-Head

São Paulo have won only one of their last eight away matches against Internacional – a 2:0 victory in July 2021. The last face-off between these sides ended in favour of the Reds, who won 2:1 last autumn.

Prediction for Internacional vs. São Paulo match

Internacional are 9th in the overall standings but are only six points behind the table leaders with three games in hand. São Paulo, on the other hand, are in excellent form and are unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions. Both teams are eager to contend for the championship title, so I'll refrain from picking a favourite here – I'm betting on a draw.