São Paulo test depth in Porto Alegre puzzle | OneFootball

São Paulo face Internacional on Sunday evening at Beira Rio as both sides aim to strengthen their positions near the middle of the Brasileirão table, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. The match, set for the 18th round of the 2025 campaign, comes at a pivotal time for each club, who are separated by just a single point and are both feeling the absence of key personnel.

Head coach Hernán Crespo will have to navigate a number of significant absences. São Paulo will be without Alan Franco and Ferreirinha due to suspensions, while Luiz Gustavo remains sidelined after being diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism. Injury issues also keep Calleri, Hugo Leonardo, Lucas Moura, Oscar, Ryan Francisco, and Wendell out of contention. As a result, squad depth will again be tested, especially given the threatening list of players on yellow card warnings—a group that includes André Silva, Arboleda, Bobadilla, Ferraresi, Pablo Maia, Rafael, and Sabino.

The expected São Paulo starting lineup, per multiple sources, is Rafael in goal, with a back three of Nahuel Ferraresi, Robert Arboleda, and Sabino. The wingback roles are likely to be filled by Cédric Soares or possibly Maik on the right, and Enzo Díaz to the left. In midfield, Alisson, Damián Bobadilla, and Marcos Antônio should start, supporting attackers Luciano and André Silva.

Internacional also deal with several enforced absences, missing Vitão through suspension, while Bruno Gomes, Fernando, Ivan, Lucca Drummond, and Romero are all out injured. Like São Paulo, they enter the weekend with several players one booking from suspension, but the focus is equally on maximizing points to keep pace in a congested league table.

Ahead of the meeting, São Paulo sit 9th with 22 points, holding a record of five wins, seven draws, and five losses, having scored 18 and conceded 19 goals so far. Internacional follow closely behind in 11th, with 21 points, five wins, six draws, and five defeats, alongside 17 goals scored and 20 allowed.

Squad rotation may prove decisive given the selection challenges on both sides, as managers weigh their available options with the midseason grind setting in. São Paulo, in particular, will look to maintain defensive solidity and exploit attacking opportunities through Luciano and André Silva as they chase a result on the road. The match gets underway Sunday at 20:30 local time in Porto Alegre.

(Sources: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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