This critical Brazilian Serie A clash between Chapecoense and Santos is expected to take place at Arena Condá, as both teams need precious points. The teams have huge enthusiasm to surge up the table as the campaign nears the business end. This, therefore, will be an exciting contest to watch.
Match Preview
Chapecoense is desperately trying to avoid relegation, fighting in the relegation places all season long. They have had a hard season full of ups and downs; every point counts for the home team as they fight to stay in Brazil’s first division. Playing at home might allow them an edge, but they will need to be at the top of their game against historically strong Santos.
Santos are not having the best of campaigns either, though. Though traditionally a giant in Brazilian football, their season has been abnormally tough. Sandy-bottomed, Santos will want a win to climb the standings and get into continental competition probably.
Team News
Chapecoense:
Home team: Many of their important players will be out because of injury, something that has been a recurring thing this season. The creative department might miss the presence of midfielders Geuvânio and Fernando, who have been ruled out by knocks. Chapecoense, though, will be relying on the experience of Anselmo Ramon upfront to lead their attack.
Santos:
Santos comes into this fixture with concerns in defense as star defender João Paulo is doubtful due to a muscle strain, which could see coach Marcelo Fernandes shuffling his backline. In attack, Santos will look to their talisman Marcos Leonardo to break down Chapecoense’s defense, supported by attacking midfielders like Soteldo.
Predicted Lineups:
Chapecoense (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Airton
Defenders: Ronei, Jordan, Frazan, Fernando
Midfielders: Ribamar, Moisés Ribeiro, Matheus Bianqui, Darlan
Forwards: Anselmo Ramon, Felipe Ferreira
Santos (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: João Paulo – if fit, Vladimir otherwise.
Defenders: Nathan, Messias, Joaquim, Dodô
Midfielders: Alison, Rodrigo Fernández; Mendoza, Soteldo, Lucas Lima
Forward: Marcos Leonardo
Prediction Odds:
This is an important fixture for both teams. Whichever one manages to do the job under the gun will win it. Chapecoense have been poor this season and defensively fragile. Santos, on the other hand, attack quite well even when not in good form.
With Santos having a deeper squad and more attack weapons, they go into this match as favorites, but Chapecoense will be desperate for points and be motivated with home support to maybe make this match closer than expected.
Prediction: Santos to win 2-1
Odds
Chapecoense to win: 3/1
Draw: 9/4
Santos to win: 1/1
Santos goes into this match as the favorite, but the odds suggest Chapecoense does have a fighting chance, especially at home.
Conclusion
Both Chapecoense and Santos need the points for different reasons, hence making this a must-watch clash in the Brazilian Serie A. Santos are favorites, but Chapecoense’s fight to avoid relegation should not be underestimated. It would be a close contest, but Santos is likely to edge it thanks to their attacking quality.
