Santos FC takes the field this Friday, July 19th, for the 13th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, looking to get back on the winning track. Their opponent this time will be Vila Nova FC, in Goiânia.
Despite achieving promotion to the top tier of Brazilian football last season, Peixe (Santos) has yet to click in Série B and currently sits in 9th place in the table, with 17 points.
In this section, we'll analyze the teams' current form, bring you key information about the match, and of course, present expert predictions for the clash.
The team led by Lisca has been inconsistent in Série B, alternating wins with losses. Last round, Peixe ended up losing at home to Botafogo-SP by 2 goals to 1.
The defensive sector has been Santos' main Achilles' heel, conceding goals with some ease. On the other hand, the attack boasts the good form of players like Lucas Braga and Marcos Leonardo, who promise to trouble Vila Nova's defense.
Vila Nova, on the other hand, is enjoying a good moment in the competition and sits in second place, with 22 points. The team coached by Dado Cavalcanti comes from four consecutive victories and promises to make life difficult for Santos FC.
The main highlight of the Goiás team is the experienced attacker Dentinho, who has scored four goals in the last few rounds.
Santos FC: João Paulo; Auro (Nathan), Maicon, Eduardo Bauermann, and Lucas Pires; Camacho, Vinicius Zanocelo (Sandry), and Lucas Braga; Ângelo, Marcos Leonardo, and Jean Mota.
Defense:
Midfield:
Forwards:
Analysis:
Of course, the actual lineup could change depending on late fitness tests or tactical decisions by the coach.
Most experts point to Vila Nova as the favorite for the clash. However, Santos FC, playing under pressure due to the need to win, cannot be ruled out.
A draw with goals is one of the possibilities pointed out by analysts, but the victory of the Goiás team appears with a slight advantage in the bookmakers' odds.
The match between Santos FC and Vila Nova FC will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere FC, a pay-per-view channel of Grupo Globo.
Additionally, Santos fans can follow the match through the minute-by-minute scoreboard on specialized websites and on Santos FC's own social networks.
Santos FC's next game is on Friday, July 19th, for the 13th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B.
Santos FC will face Vila Nova FC in Goiânia.
Santos FC is currently in 9th place in the table with 17 points.
Most experts favor Vila Nova to win the match. However, Santos FC cannot be ruled out completely.
The match will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere FC, a pay-per-view channel of Grupo Globo.