Santos and Fluminense are set to clash at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira in Brasileirao Serie A action. The match sees Santos aiming to distance themselves from the relegation zone, while Fluminense are hoping to climb the table and put pressure on league leaders Palmeiras.
Santos Seek to Build Momentum
Santos enter the match on the back of a 1-0 victory over Atletico Mineiro in their last league match. Moises scored the decisive goal. That result lifted Peixe to 15th place in the standings with 13 points from 11 matches, giving them a three-point cushion above the relegation zone.
However, Santos were held to a 1-1 draw by Recoleta in the Copa Sudamericana in midweek. Richard Ortiz’s penalty cancelled out Neymar’s early goal. Cuca’s men have two wins from their last three Brasileirao matches, having also defeated Remo.
Neymar has been a key figure for Santos, contributing to a goal in five of his six matches this season. He has 14 goals and six assists in 33 matches since returning to the club.
Fluminense Aim to Stop the Rot
Fluminense currently sit fourth in the Brasileirao standings with 20 points from 11 games. They are six points behind Palmeiras. While they have secured notable wins against Corinthians, Atletico Paranaense, and Atletico Mineiro, recent form has been a concern.
Luis Zubeldia’s side have suffered back-to-back defeats in their last two outings. Their four-game unbeaten run ended with a 2-1 loss against Flamengo, followed by a defeat to Rivadavia in the Copa Libertadores by the same scoreline.
Fluminense will be eager to bounce back, but they have only one win from their last five away matches. Zubeldia’s men face a stern challenge at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira.
Team News and Attacking Options
Santos have a near full-strength attack, with Neymar, Gabigol, Moises, and Rony all available for selection. Gabriel Brazao is expected to start in goal, with Lucas Verissimo and Luan Peres in central defence. The midfield could feature Gustavo Henrique and William Arao.
- Santos are currently 15th in the league.
- Fluminense are 4th in the league.
- Neymar has been involved in a goal in 83% of Santos’s games this season.
Fluminense will be aiming to find their feet this weekend after recent defeats. The match at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira promises to be a competitive encounter.