Sao Paulo vs Atletico-MG

Sao Paulo welcome Atletico-MG on Saturday, 5 September 2026, in Round 26 of the Brazilian Serie A as the struggling Tricolor look to ease their relegation worries against a mid-table Galo side. Dorival Junior's men sit 13th with 27 points from 23 matches, just three points above the drop zone, while Atletico-MG are ninth on 33 points and arrive on the back of a goalless draw at Internacional.

Team News and Injury Latest

Sao Paulo's treatment room remains overcrowded. Jonathan Calleri, who sprained his left ankle recently, is a major doubt and his absence would force Dorival Junior into yet another reshuffle. Long-term absentees Lucas, Lucca, Bobadilla, Arboleda, Rafael Toloi and Victor Sa are all still unavailable, while Ferreirinha, Lucas Ramon and Pablo Maia are walking a disciplinary tightrope one booking away from a ban. Luciano, with five Brasileirao goals, will again carry the attacking burden regardless of Calleri's fitness.

Atletico-MG reported no fresh concerns following their stalemate with Internacional and could field a settled side. Manager likely to stick with the core that kept a clean sheet in Porto Alegre, providing a sharp contrast to the hosts' ever-changing line-up.

Form Guide: Tricolor's Relegation Fears

Sao Paulo's domestic campaign has been undermined by constant disruption. The team has not named the same starting XI in 11 matches, a by-product of both injuries and Dorival Junior's tactical tweaks. That instability has left them glancing nervously over their shoulders, with only a three-point cushion to 17th-placed Mirassol. Home form, collecting 18 points from 10 outings, offers some comfort but the pressure to deliver a result is intensifying.

Atletico-MG: Steady but Unspectacular

Galo sit comfortably in the top half after 23 rounds, with a balanced record of 30 goals scored and 27 conceded. The recent 0-0 draw at Internacional extended their unbeaten run on the road and highlighted a defensive resilience that has underpinned their season. Away from home, they have lost just once all campaign, making them awkward visitors even if victories have been hard to come by.