GUARATINGUETÁ, Brazil (Interstat) — A new Paulista U20 season kicks off Friday with a Week 1 clash between Manthiqueira U20 and Guaratingu U20, a matchup pitting two sides seeking a fresh start after heavy recent defeats.

The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. local time at Estádio Municipal Professor Dario Rodrigues Leite.

Despite being the designated home team, Manthiqueira will host at its rival’s stadium in Guaratinguetá. Both clubs enter the campaign looking to erase lopsided losses from their recent past.

Guaratingu U20 is coming off a 7-0 home defeat to powerhouse Sao Paulo U20 last August. Manthiqueira’s most recent recorded result is a 6-0 home loss to Taubaté U20 from June 2023, highlighting a long layoff from competitive action.

Statistical models give a slight edge to the visitors. Interstat’s ELO rating system projects Guaratingu U20 with a 52.20% probability of victory. The organization’s game simulator predicts a narrow 1-0 win for Guaratingu.

The season-opening fixture presents an immediate opportunity for both squads to build momentum in Brazil’s competitive under-20 state championship. For Guaratingu, it’s a chance to quickly move past its last result. For Manthiqueira, the focus will be on establishing a new foundation after its extended break.

The venue, Estádio Municipal Professor Dario Rodrigues Leite, is located in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo.