São Paulo faces Cruzeiro at the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, for the 29th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, with live television and streaming coverage available via SporTV and Premiere.
Tricolor seeks recovery after Santos defeat
São Paulo enters the fixture looking to steady its campaign following a loss to Santos last Friday. A victory and three points will be primordial to push the Tricolor away from the bottom positions in the standings. The team currently holds a 40% efficiency rate in the tournament’s return leg, having secured only two away victories throughout the Brasileirão season. Manager Dorival Júnior must handle these struggles while managing a depleted roster in Belo Horizonte.
Multiple injuries force alternative lineup
The visiting side will be missing several key players due to injury and fitness concerns. Goalkeeper Rafael is sidelined with lower back pain, while forward Luciano is dealing with a muscular injury. Left-back Iago Borduchi and midfielder Danielzinho also picked up knocks and remain unavailable for selection. These absences leave the team light on transition intensity and creative midfield play, prompting Dorival to turn to squad alternatives, including goalkeeper Coronel. Pablo Maia, Bobadilla and Marcos Antônio will have the mission to close down spaces at the back to contain Cruzeiro’s impetus. São Paulo’s probable starting lineup features Coronel; Arboleda, Rafael Tolói, and Sabino; Pedro Lima, Pablo Maia, Bobadilla, Marcos Antônio, and Wendell; Artur and Calleri.
Calleri returns to lead the attack
Amid the lineup issues, São Paulo welcomes back striker Jonathan Calleri. The 33-year-old sat out the previous round due to a suspension after receiving his third yellow card. Calleri has recorded 14 goals in 40 appearances for the club in 2026, and his absence was keenly felt during the recent clásico against Santos. Naturally a right winger, Artur will pair up with Calleri in the attack against Cruzeiro at the Mineirão. Known for his speed, he likes to cut inside to shoot from medium range or look for through balls, having been signed to provide width to the sector by opening up defenses along the flanks.
Cruzeiro targets direct Libertadores berth
On the opposing side, Cruzeiro enters the match under manager Artur Jorge with 45 points, pursuing a direct qualification spot for the 2027 Copa Libertadores. The hosts receive a defensive boost with the return of center-back Fabrício Bruno. Midfielders Gerson and Matheus Pereira anchor a stable setup designed to pressure São Paulo from the opening whistle at a packed Mineirão, with the team looking to take advantage of the home crowd to seek a win from the very first minute. Matheus Pereira will act centrally as the team’s main playmaker, dictating the rhythm of the match. Cruzeiro’s probable lineup consists of Otávio; Fágner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, and Rojas; Lucas Romero, Gerson, and Matheus Pereira; Arroyo, Kaio Jorge, and Wesley.
