Against All Odds: Reigning champs to fightback in Brazil

Can San Lorenzo repeat their recent success?

It's always a fantastic affair when a Brazilian team take on one from Argentina and Paul Robinson thinks that Sao Paulo have to be opposed at odds-on for the visit of San Lorenzo.

Sao Paulo v San Lorenzo
Thursday March 19. 01:00 GMT
Available on Betfair Live Video

After finishing as runner-up in the Campeonato last season, Sao Paulo's main goal this year will be to go one better. That competition hasn't started yet though so they can concentrate on negotiating their way through a very tricky Copa Libertadores group.

Three doesn't go into two and that's the situation in Group 2 as Corinthians, Sao Paulo and San Lorenzo are fighting it out to make the knockout phase. Corinthians look comfortable at this stage having recorded three wins from three outings, but the latter pair are locked together on three points as they have both only played twice.

Muricy Ramalho's side are usually strong at home but they suffered defeat in the Paulista A1 at the beginning of the month and they are prone to throwing in a terrible performance - especially when they are fancied to win.

San Lorenzo are certainly no pushovers and after finishing the campaign in eighth place last time, they are third after five games of this one having won four times already. They are also the reigning Libertadores champions and they won't give up their trophy without a fight.

Edgardo Bauza's men will have been bitterly disappointed to be beaten by Corinthians in front of their own fans a fortnight ago. They need to bounce back now though and they certainly have the players to do so. They will also have fond memories of achieving success in this country last season as they got the results they needed at Gremio and Cruzeiro.

It was a night to forget in this competition last night but it is worth noting that our selection took the lead and were level when they were reduced to 10 men. San Lorenzo can rise to the occasion and make amends, so with Sao Paulo trading at around the 1.8910/11 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay Sao Paulo v San Lorenzo @ 1.8910/11

2015 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 75 pts
Returned: 64.12 pts
P/L: - 10.88 pts (after commission)
(2014 P/L: + 17.34 pts)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)