Preview: Fortaleza vs Santos – prediction, team news, lineups

Thursday’s Brasileiro clash between Fortaleza and Santos is set to spark intrigue as both teams find themselves at the lower end of the table. The match, taking place at the Castelao Stadium, could prove pivotal for both sides struggling to shake off a dire start to their seasons. In what many are calling a "six-pointer," this encounter will have significant implications for the relegation battle, making it must-watch football for fans of Brazilian soccer.

Fortaleza’s Current Form and Challenges

Under the management of Juan Pablo Vojvoda, Fortaleza has had a rough time in the 2025 top-flight campaign, coming into this match on the back of five consecutive defeats. The team’s latest setback was a 1-0 loss to Racing Club in the Copa Libertadores, followed by a grim 5-0 thrashing at the hands of league leaders Flamengo. Such results have left Fortaleza sitting precariously in 17th place with just 10 points, hovering above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

The recent results have been disheartening for a team once celebrated for its competitive spirit. Despite a challenging road, they will be looking at this fixture as an opportunity to turn their fortunes around. Vojvoda can take some solace in the fact that Fortaleza tends to perform better at home. However, their last two home games ended in disappointing defeats, one of which saw them knocked out of the Copa Betano do Brasil.

Victory against Santos could drastically alter Fortaleza’s trajectory, potentially lifting them up to 13th place, which is crucial in this tightly contested league. Therefore, the pressure is on for Vojvoda and his men to capitalize on this opportunity to secure vital points.

Santos’ Struggles and the Road Ahead

On the other side of the pitch, Santos has had a similarly tumultuous start to the season. With only one win from their last ten matches, including seven losses, the team’s performance has been a source of concern. Their recent game resulted in another defeat, this time against Botafogo, where an unfortunate red card to superstar Neymar left them with a disadvantage. Santos now find themselves in 18th place, two points behind Fortaleza and deep in the relegation zone.

The upcoming clash against Fortaleza poses both a challenge and an opportunity for Santos. While they did manage a narrow victory against Vitoria earlier in May, their overall form has been alarming. The road struggles have been compounded by a lack of depth in their squad. In light of Neymar’s absence, whose impact is irrefutably significant, Santos will need other players to step up and fill the void to relieve some of the pressure.

Coach Cleber Xavier will face tough decisions regarding his lineup, particularly in the attacking phase. Young striker Deivid Washington may be called upon to lead the line, alongside Alvaro Barreal and Guilherme. Their success against Fortaleza’s defense will be crucial if Santos hopes to climb out of the relegation zone.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Ahead of this important clash, both teams will have to navigate through injuries and suspensions, which could influence their performance on the pitch. For Fortaleza, midfielder Pedro Augusto will miss out after receiving a suspension for a red card against Cruzeiro on May 26. Lucas Sasha is also likely to be absent due to an expected injury, prompting Vojvoda to modify his lineup.

The anticipated starting eleven for Fortaleza is as follows: Ricardo; Tinga, Kuscevic, Mancha, Mancuso; Pochettino, Welison, Martinez; Marinho, Deyverson, and Pimenta. This formation emphasizes their intent to control the midfield and enhance their attacking options with a solid forward line supported by wingers.

Conversely, Santos will not have Neymar available for selection, as he grapples with a COVID-19 diagnosis compounded by his previous red card. Xavier is expected to field a lineup that includes Brazao; Escobar, Ivaldo, Basso, Souza; Pituca and Rafael, with Deivid Washington spearheading the attack supported by Barreal and Guilherme.

Predictions and Outlook

As the game draws near, predictions are mixed, though many analysts lean toward a Fortaleza victory. Their home advantage and Santos’ poor away form are pivotal factors in the overall sentiment. It appears that the most likely scoreline is a narrow 1-0 win for Fortaleza. This scenario would provide the much-needed boost for the team while further complicating Santos’ quest for redemption this season.

Ultimately, the clash at Castelao promises to be a riveting contest, reflecting the raw emotions and stakes involved in a season fraught with challenges for both clubs. Given the recent performances and current standings, fans can expect a tightly contested showdown, one where every point will matter not just for the present, but for the ongoing struggle to maintain their top-flight status.

Source link