Crespo aposta em Rafael e mexe no São Paulo para duelo decisivo | OneFootball

São Paulo’s preparations for their trip to Internacional in the 18th round of the 2025 Brasileirão have seen a pair of adjustments to Hernán Crespo’s starting eleven, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. The match at Beira Rio kicks off Sunday at 20:30 in Porto Alegre.

After a spell out of the spotlight, goalkeeper Rafael returns to the starting lineup, providing stability at the back for a squad missing several regulars. In central defence, Sabino has been handed a starting berth in place of Alan Franco, who is serving a suspension after collecting his third yellow card in the previous round.

Crespo must again rely on his squad depth due to a lengthy list of absentees—already reported to be limiting São Paulo’s options across the pitch for this stretch of the campaign. Alongside Franco, key figures including Ferreirinha (suspended), Luiz Gustavo (recovering from pulmonary embolism), and attacking options like Calleri and Lucas Moura (both injured) remain unavailable. Additional knocks have sidelined Oscar, Hugo Leonardo, and Ryan Francisco.

In light of these constraints, the expected São Paulo lineup is shaped around a 3-5-2, with Rafael in goal, protected by a back three of Nahuel Ferraresi, Robert Arboleda, and Sabino. Cédric Soares and Enzo Díaz are likely to feature as wingbacks on the right and left, respectively, while the trio of Alisson, Damián Bobadilla, and Marcos Antônio cover the central midfield roles. Luciano and André Silva provide a familiar pairing up top as Crespo seeks to make the most of his remaining attacking resources.

The team’s balance could rely on the chemistry of its core and the adaptability of key reserves pressed into duty. São Paulo’s tactical shape and defensive organisation have remained relatively consistent despite repeated forced changes so far this season.

Internacional, for their part, are also managing a patchwork squad. They approach this fixture missing some important contributors due to injury and illness, but remain close to São Paulo in the league standings.

A combination of necessity and rotation continues to define São Paulo’s matchday selections as they push to remain competitive amid a congested fixture list and persistent injuries. The trip to Porto Alegre arrives at a decisive phase of the first half of the league season, with both clubs jockeying for position within a tightly packed midtable.

(Sources: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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