SAO Paulo vs CD Tolima Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa Sudamericana

Prediction published on 07/06/2023, 06:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 08/06/2023 at 10:00 in Football Predictions

Sao Paulo top Group D in the Copa Sudamerica and host third placed Deportes Tolima. The Brazilian Serie A side are in a strong position as they lead second placed Tigre on goal difference but have a game in hand on their rivals. Sao Paulo lead Tolima by five points and avoiding defeat in this game will take them into the next stage but winning the group is their key aim. That's because only the group winners go straight into the last 16 with the runners up going into the play-offs. Soberanos two remaining group games are both at home and they will be confident of topping the group. Their only home game to date saw them defeat Academia (already eliminated) 2-0. The reverse fixtre with Tolima saw them held to a goalless draw. The Tricolor Paulista are yet to concede a goal in this group with six goals scored. They are eighth in Serie A but lost 2-1 at Gremio last weekend. That ended a run of 13 games without defeat.

Deportes Tolima have only five points from their four group games. They trail the top two by five points and after this match end the group with a home game against Academia. With Sao Paulo hosting Tigres, then two wins for Tolima could well see them finish in the top two. They have only won one group match so far and that was at whipping boys Academia. Tolima have four points from their two away group games, having also drawn 0-0 at Tigres. They are struggling for form though, particularly on their travels. Sao Paulo are our tip to win this match.