Sport Recife vs Sao Paulo Prediction 18.05.2023

• Competition: Copa do Brasil
• Date: Thursday, 18th, May 2023
• Kickoff: 00:00 UK / 01.00 CEST
• Venue: Estadio Adelmar da Costa Carvalho (Recife)

The second division Sport Recife, which in 2008 raised the national cup trophy for the first and only time in its history, achieved a very good result at the opening of the 35th edition of the Copa do Brasil, as they eliminated the first division Coritiba with 3-1 on aggregate.

Unlike them, Sao Paulo has not yet decorated its showcases with a cup from the domestic cup. The only opportunity for a trophy from the second strongest competition in Brazil was in 2000, when they unfortunately lost in the final against Cruzeiro. As for this year's edition of the Brazil Cup, Tricolour Paulista qualified for the round of 16, since after a goalless draw at their stadium, they defeated the second division Ituano on the road with a minimum 1-0.

Sport Recife vs Sao Paulo Betting Tips: X2 (Double chance)

The duel of these rivals on Thursday will be the first in two years, the same year when Sport Recife was relegated from the Brazilian Serie A. The recent tradition of clashes between the two pairs indicates that Sao Paulo is closer to a place among the top eight of the Copa do Brasil, since they celebrated in six occasions from the last seven duels against Sport Recife.

Sport Recife cannot be dissatisfied with the course of the current season, if we say that they won the record 43rd title of the state championship in Pernambuco, and then reached the final of the Copa do Nordeste (unfortunately losing it to Ceara). In addition, The Lions, who are aiming to return to the elite division Brazil, have made a satisfactory start to the season in Serie B, collecting eight points from the opening four rounds (two wins and two draws each).

By the way, The Black and Reds from Recife have shown that they are very awkward when they play games in their backyard, which can best be seen from the record of 16 triumphs and only two draws during 18 games played in the new calendar year. But it should be noted that their rivals were nowhere near the quality of Sao Paulo.

In contrast, the Paulista Tricolor arrive in Recife in decent form. Since the 1-2 defeat against Botafogo RJ at the opening of the Campeonato Brasileiro season, the club with "Morumbi" has built eight matches (counting all competitions) without a single defeat - they have achieved four victories and as many draws during that period.

What stands out is the fact that the back four of Sao Paulo are doing their defensive duties brilliantly, since they conceded only two goals during that unbeaten streak. It should not be left out that Tricolour are in a series of four consecutive draws on the road, which is another proof that they are difficult to overcome. With all the mentioned facts, we are convinced that Sao Paulo will remain undefeated at the very least.