Sao Paulo have had a remarkable week building up to the new Brasileirão season. First, they lifted the Campeonato Paulista for the first time since 2005 followed by a comfortable 3-0 victory over Racing Club in the Copa Libertadores. Crespo will now be hoping his boys get off to a positive start in the league.

Fluminense bounced back from their 3-1 loss to Flamengo last weekend with a 3-1 victory of their own over River Plate in Argentina to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores, which will give them a huge boost going into the game here. Flu lost on both occasions to Sao Paulo last season and will be eager for revenge.