Santos will face Mirassol in a crucial Brasileiro clash on Thursday morning at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira, as both teams have significant stakes in the match. Santos, currently sitting in 16th place, is in desperate need of points to avoid relegation, whereas Mirassol is aiming to secure a position in the top four.
This season has been challenging for Santos, marred by inconsistency with a record of nine wins, nine draws, and 15 losses, totaling 36 points just one above the relegation zone. Despite their struggles, the team experienced a vital boost last week with a surprising 1-0 victory over Palmeiras, achieved by substitute Benjamin Rollheiser in the dying moments of the game. This win marked only Santos’s third under coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who took the reins in August.
Playing at home has been somewhat advantageous for Santos, with six of their nine league wins coming at Vila Belmiro. However, their form has been patchy lately, just one win in the last six matches indicates a pressing need for consistency to avoid relegation, especially with only five games remaining.
In terms of historical encounters, Santos has had the upper hand over Mirassol, winning six of their last ten meetings, but both teams have shown their competitiveness in previous clashes. Mirassol, meanwhile, comes into the game in confident form, currently fourth in the table with 59 points from 16 wins, 11 draws, and six losses. They recently secured a 2-1 win over Palmeiras, thanks to goals from Gabriel and Joao Victor, demonstrating their strong attacking capabilities with 54 goals scored this season.
As Santos aims to leverage their home advantage, they will rely on the presence of Neymar, who is steadily returning to full match fitness and played key roles in their recent games. Rollheiser may continue to provide impact from the bench, alongside a midfield bolstered by Willian Arao and Joao Schmidt.
Mirassol is expected to maintain the same lineup that defeated Palmeiras, banking on Gabriel’s recent goal-scoring form. Both teams are under pressure to secure vital points, and while Santos is desperate to avoid relegation, Mirassol is keen to solidify their top-four aspirations.
The match is shaping up to be an exciting encounter, with both teams carrying threats. A high-energy draw seems plausible, with both sides motivated to perform. Predictions indicate a likely final score of 2-2 as each team aims to navigate this critical juncture of the season.