Paulistão Série A1 Showdown: Velo Clube Hosts Guarani in Early Season Battle
In a highly anticipated Campeonato Paulista Série A1 Round 4 clash, Velo Clube will host Guarani. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the league, with Velo Clube aiming to build on their promotion from Série A2 last season, and Guarani seeking to improve their early-season form and climb up the table. This match carries significant weight for their respective standings in the nascent season.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Campeonato Paulista Série A1 Round 4 match will take place at Velo Clube's home ground, Estádio Benito Agnelo Castellano. Velo Clube secured promotion to Série A1 for the 2025 season after winning the Paulista Série A2 in 2024, ending a 45-year absence from the top flight, and has maintained their position for the 2026 season. Guarani is also a participant in this season's Série A1. The 2026 Campeonato Paulista Série A1 runs from January 10 to March 8, featuring 16 teams, with the top eight advancing to quarterfinals and the bottom two relegated to Série A2. According to early season data, Velo Clube is currently positioned 6th, while Guarani is 15th, indicating both teams have an urgent need for points to improve or maintain their standings.
Recent Form
In their last five official matches (including early 2026 season games), Velo Clube has shown relatively consistent form, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. This includes 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the current Série A1 season. They secured a 1-0 victory against Ponte Preta on January 14, 2026, and drew 0-0 with Botafogo-SP on January 11, but fell 0-2 to Portuguesa-SP on January 17. Guarani's recent performance has been less impressive, going winless in their last five matches, recording 0 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. Their 2026 Série A1 campaign started with 0 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, including a 1-1 draw against Santos on January 18, a 0-2 defeat to Novorizontino on January 13, and another 1-1 draw with Primavera on January 10.
Key Players & Injury News
Key players for Velo Clube include goalkeeper Marcelo Carné, who previously played for Flamengo and joined the team for the 2026 season. Midfielder Felipinho was the top scorer in the 2024 Série A2 with 8 goals, and his retention is crucial for the team. Additionally, Luiz Otavio Alves Marcolino has provided assists early in the current season. There are no specific reports of significant new injuries for Velo Clube. For Guarani, forward Raphael Rodrigues Borges is the team's top scorer in the Série A1 this season, while Kauã Jesus Tenorio has contributed with assists. Defender Jonathan Costa is a new signing for the 2026 season from Avai, and goalkeeper Caíque França is another important member of the squad. No specific major injury reports have been found for Guarani.