São Paulo vs Corinthians Preview

November 30, 2012 By Gregory Sica

Topics: Sao Paulo, Corinthians, Campeonato Brasileiro

Both teams will have other things on their minds ahead of Sunday's traditional Paulista derby at the Pacaembu stadium.

Traditional rivals Sao Paulo and Corinthians lock horns in what will be both teams farewell match of the 2012 Brazilian championship.

While the derby is considered one of the biggest in Sao Paulo and in Brazil for that matter the teams come into the clash with their minds on other things.

Hosts Sao Paulo secured passage into the final of the Copa Sudamericana with their midweek goalless draw against Universidad de Chile at the Morumbi. Having drawn 1-1 in Chile in the first leg of the semi-final, the Brazilian giants advanced to the final on the away goals rule.

Sao Paulo will travel to Argentina next week for the first leg of the final against Tigre, which could possibly be staged at Boca Juniors' Bombonera stadium, due to the fact that Tigre's stadium doesn't reach the minimum capacity requirements of the Conmebol for a final which stands at 40,000.

Meanwhile, Corinthians will travel to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup following the clash. The South American champions won the first-ever Club World Cup back in the year 2000, and will be hoping to make it number two this year. Corinthians come into the competition as the pre-tournament favourites, along with European champions Chelsea.

For the derby, Sao Paulo coach Ney Franco is expected to field a side mixed with starters and reserves, as although the game is considered important as all derbies are, he would rather keep some of his main players fresh for the Copa Sudamericana final. The coach has confirmed that Rhodolfo and Denilson will be rested, and Rafael Toloi, Cortez, Luis Fabiano and Jadson could follow.

Key midfielder Lucas Moura is expected to take the field in his last Brazilian league game for the club before parting to Paris Saint-Germain. However, his official farewell game will be at the Morumbi stadium in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana final.

Rivals Corinthians, who will play their first game of the Club World Cup on December 12, will confront the derby with their strongest-possible starting eleven, as they have been doing in recent games.

The only player that Corinthians boss Tite will be unable to count with is Paulo Andre, who is injured. It has been confirmed that the defender will be replaced by Wallace, who will slot into the centre of defence beside Chicao.