Santos vs Fluminense Preview: Predictions, Lineups, and Team News

The Brasileirao returns this weekend with Santos hosting Fluminense at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira. This Santos vs Fluminense preview includes predictions, expected lineups and team news ahead of round 12.

Match context

Santos come into the fixture one place above the relegation zone. The club sits 15th with 13 points from 11 matches. They look to build on momentum from last weekend’s league win.

Fluminense occupy fourth place with 20 points from 11 games. They trail league leaders Palmeiras by six points. The visitors seek to halt a recent dip in form.

Recent form

Santos

Santos beat Atletico Mineiro 1-0 last Sunday. Moises scored three minutes after the hour mark. That victory lifted Santos clear of immediate relegation danger.

Midweek, Santos drew 1-1 with Recoleta in the Copa Sudamericana. Neymar opened inside four minutes, and Richard Ortiz converted a 45th-minute penalty.

The club has two wins from three Brasileirao matches. Wins over Remo and Mineiro sandwich a 3-1 loss to Flamengo at the Maracana.

Fluminense

Fluminense’s season includes wins over Corinthians, Atletico Paranaense and Atletico Mineiro. Their strong start yielded 20 points from 11 matches.

However, the team lost 2-1 to Flamengo at the Maracana on April 12. They then suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Rivadavia in the Copa Libertadores.

Fluminense have managed only one win in their last five away matches. Pressure is rising ahead of the trip to Vila Belmiro.

Team news

Santos

Coach Cuca has attacking options available. Neymar, Gabigol, Moises and Rony are fit to feature.

Gabriel Brazao is expected in goal. Lucas Verissimo and Luan Peres should form the centre-back pairing.

Mayke is doubtful for the game. Vini Lira remains sidelined after a ruptured ligament in his left knee. Gabriel Menino is out with a right thigh problem.

Fluminense

Lucho Acosta, the club’s leading goal contributor, faces a four-week layoff with a knee injury. His absence is a major blow.

Yeferson Soteldo is doubtful with a thigh issue. German Cano, Nonato, Matheus Reis and Facundo Bernal remain unavailable.

Henrique Ganso is likely to fill the midfield void. Jefferson Savarino, Kevin Serna and Rodrigo Castillo offer attacking options. Fabio is expected to start in goal.

Expected lineups and predictions

Projected Santos starters include Brazao in goal, Verissimo and Peres in defence, Arao and Gustavo Henrique in midfield. The attack should feature Neymar, Moises and Gabigol.

Fluminense’s probable lineup lists Fabio in goal, a back four including Juan Freytes and Guilherme Arana, with Ganso pulling the strings in midfield.

Filmogaz.com predicts a closely fought game. A 1-1 draw looks the most likely outcome given Santos’ home edge and Fluminense’s recent struggles.

Vila Belmiro remains a difficult ground for visitors. Fluminense have won just nine of 45 previous trips there.