Santos FC vs Sport Recife Prediction & Match Preview – Saturday, 29 November

Santos FC are set to face Sport Recife in an intriguing Serie A clash on Saturday, 29 November. This fixture, part of Brazil’s top-flight football league, promises to be a competitive encounter as both teams battle for crucial points. Although the venue is yet to be confirmed, anticipation remains high due to the historical rivalry between these clubs.

Santos FC, renowned for their attacking flair, will look to make the most of their home advantage against Sport Recife. Meanwhile, Sport Recife are desperate for a vital away victory to improve their league standing. With both sides eager to climb the Serie A table, this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns.

Santos FC vs Sport Recife: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Santos FC to Win	1.31

Considering the odds and current form, backing Santos FC to win appears to be the sensible choice. Despite missing some key players, Santos have demonstrated greater stability and resilience, especially on home soil. In contrast, Sport Recife are in dire straits, having lost five matches in a row and struggling defensively.

• Sport Recife have failed to win in 13 consecutive Serie A matches.
• Santos FC benefit from home advantage and recently defeated a strong Palmeiras side.
• Sport Recife concede an average of 1.9 goals per game this season, highlighting their defensive struggles.

Betting Odds

Santos FC are strong favourites for this match, with odds heavily backing a home win at 1.31. Sport Recife are clear underdogs at 8.77, reflecting the tough challenge they face.

Betting Tip	Odds
Santos FC to win	1.31
Draw	5.03
Sport Recife to win	8.77

For those seeking alternative markets, a draw is available at 5.03, which could appeal given the unpredictable nature of Serie A fixtures. Additionally, punters may want to explore the over/under goals market, considering Santos FC’s attacking strengths.

Santos FC: Analysis & Recent Performance

Santos FC’s recent Serie A form has been challenging, with only one win in their last five matches. Their recent results include a draw against Internacional (1-1) and a narrow victory over Palmeiras (1-0), underscoring their struggle for consistency. Currently sitting 17th in the league with 38 points, Santos FC are in the relegation zone and urgently need to improve their results.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Internacional	Santos FC	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	25 Nov 2025
Santos FC	Mirassol	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	20 Nov 2025
Santos FC	Palmeiras	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	16 Nov 2025
Flamengo	Santos FC	3 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	9 Nov 2025
Palmeiras	Santos FC	2 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	7 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• DDWLL

Over their last five matches, Santos FC have averaged 1.00 goal per game while conceding 1.40, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. They have kept just one clean sheet in this period, underlining ongoing issues at the back. Their home performances have been slightly better, with a 40% win rate in their last five home games, suggesting a relative advantage at home. Across the season, Santos have managed just 9 wins in 35 matches, with an average of 1.03 goals scored per game, highlighting the need for greater attacking potency.

Santos FC: Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC are facing a difficult situation with Neymar Jr and Gonzalo Escobar both sidelined by injuries. Neymar Jr’s knee injury has left his return date uncertain, which is a significant tactical blow given his creativity and flair in attack. Escobar’s thigh injury has ruled him out for the season, creating a gap in defence that coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda must address.

With Escobar unavailable, the defensive setup will likely need to be reshuffled, with Mayke a candidate to step in. This could impact the team’s balance and defensive solidity. Neymar Jr’s absence will be particularly felt up front, and his replacement must step up to maintain Santos FC’s attacking threat. Robinho Junior and Benjamin Rollheiser are expected to shoulder greater responsibility in his absence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Neymar Jr	Knee injury	Doubtful
Gonzalo Escobar	Thigh injury	Out for season

These tactical adjustments could influence Santos FC’s approach against Sport Recife. Without Neymar Jr’s attacking spark, the team may opt for a more cautious strategy, relying on a solid midfield presence from Victor Hugo and Ze Rafael to control proceedings. The betting markets may also factor in these absences, as squad depth is put to the test.

Santos FC: Key Players

Santos FC’s attacking hopes rest heavily on Álvaro Barreal, their top scorer with 9 goals this season. Barreal’s knack for finding the net and exploiting spaces makes him a constant threat, drawing attention from Sport Recife’s defenders and creating opportunities for teammates.

In midfield, Willian Arão and Ze Rafael are crucial. Arão’s defensive abilities provide a solid base, allowing Ze Rafael to push forward and orchestrate play. Their partnership in controlling the tempo and breaking up opposition attacks will be vital for Santos FC to dominate midfield. In defence, Adonis Frias and Luan Peres form a strong partnership, essential for repelling Sport Recife’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Santos FC

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defence: Igor Vinicius, Adonis Frias, Luan Peres, João Souza
• Midfield: Victor Hugo, Willian Arão, Ze Rafael
• Forward: Benjamin Rollheiser, Lautaro Díaz, Guilherme Augusto

Santos FC: Tactics & Formation

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Typically 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Robinho Junior
• Midfield Engine: Willian Arão and Ze Rafael
• Defensive Challenges: Conceded in four of the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Reliance on midfield creativity and quick transitions.

Santos FC often utilise a 4-3-3 formation, maximising their midfield strength while maintaining width in attack. Willian Arão and Ze Rafael are pivotal, balancing defensive duties with creative play, and Victor Hugo complements their efforts.

Defensively, Santos FC have struggled, conceding in four of their last five matches. The backline, typically featuring Mayke, Adonis Frias, Luan Peres, and Gonzalo Escobar, needs to improve coordination and positioning to secure more clean sheets.

In attack, Santos FC focus on quick transitions and exploiting the pace of forwards such as Robinho Junior and Benjamin Rollheiser. Their high pressing and ability to exploit spaces can be decisive, especially against teams with defensive vulnerabilities.

Sport Recife: Analysis & Recent Performance

Sport Recife’s recent form has been a major concern, with five consecutive defeats in their last five matches. Losses include a 1-3 defeat to Vitória, a 3-2 loss against Botafogo RJ, and a heavy 5-1 home loss to Flamengo. This poor run highlights their defensive frailties and struggles to convert chances.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	League	Date
Sport Recife	Vitoria	1 – 3 (Loss)	Serie A	23 Nov 2025
Botafogo RJ	Sport Recife	3 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	18 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Flamengo	1 – 5 (Loss)	Serie A	15 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Atletico MG	2 – 4 (Loss)	Serie A	8 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Juventude	0 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	5 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Sport Recife have averaged 1.20 goals scored per game over their last five matches, but have conceded a worrying 3.40 per game. They have failed to keep a single clean sheet in this period. Their winless run stretches to ten games, with just one draw and nine defeats, leaving them at the foot of the Serie A table with only 17 points.

Despite scoring in four of their last five matches, their inability to secure points is compounded by defensive lapses. Away from home, Sport Recife have managed only one win in their last ten outings, underlining their struggles on the road. Derik Lacerda remains a key attacking figure with six goals this season, but the team’s lack of consistency and defensive issues have been costly.

• LLLLL

Sport Recife: Suspensions & Injuries

Sport Recife are also struggling with several key absences due to suspensions and injuries. Derik Lacerda is suspended for club reasons, missing seven matches and leaving a major gap in attack. Kevyson is also suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation, further weakening their defence. These absences force manager Cesar Lucena to rely on less experienced players in critical positions.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Derik Lacerda	Club decision	7	Unknown
Kevyson	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

Injury problems persist as well, with Diogo Hereda sidelined by a groin injury until early December and Pedro Augusto out for a few weeks with a muscle problem. Hereda’s absence, as a regular in defence, will likely require a reshuffle, potentially opening up opportunities for younger players or tactical adjustments.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Diogo Hereda	Groin injury	Early December 2025
Pedro Augusto	Muscle injury	A few weeks

The combined impact of these absences could influence Sport Recife’s tactical approach, possibly resulting in a more conservative strategy to compensate for their weakened squad. Bettors should factor in these issues, as Sport Recife’s depth and flexibility are under severe test, which could affect their performance against Santos FC.

Sport Recife: Key Players

Sport Recife will rely heavily on the attacking qualities of Matheusinho and Léo Pereira. Although Derik Lacerda, their top scorer with six goals, is absent, Matheusinho’s agility and Léo Pereira’s finishing can still threaten the Santos FC defence. Matheusinho’s ability to exploit space and deliver precise passes will be crucial for creating chances.

In midfield, Lucas Lima stands out as the chief playmaker. His vision and passing accuracy can dictate the tempo and unlock opportunities for the forwards. Defensively, Rafael Thyere’s leadership and positioning are vital for organising the backline and thwarting Santos FC’s attacks. His aerial ability is also key when defending set pieces.

Expected lineup for Sport Recife

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel
• Defence: Matheus Alexandre, Rafael Thyere, Ramon Menezes, Luan Cândido
• Midfield: Christian Rivera, Lucas Kal, Lucas Lima
• Forward: Matheusinho, Pablo, Léo Pereira

Sport Recife: Tactics & Formation

Sport Recife Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Pablo
• Midfield Trio: Christian Rivera, Lucas Kal, Lucas Lima
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and reliance on counter-attacks.

Sport Recife usually favour a 4-3-3 formation, providing balance between attack and defence. The midfield trio of Christian Rivera, Lucas Kal, and Lucas Lima is crucial, offering both defensive cover and creative options. This setup helps maintain possession and control the game’s tempo, though recent results suggest improvement is needed.

Defensively, Sport Recife have struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. The back four, including Matheus Alexandre and Rafael Thyere, must tighten up to avoid conceding early goals, a recurring problem.

In attack, the team relies on Pablo up front, supported by wide players like Matheusinho and Léo Pereira. They tend to use high pressing and quick transitions, aiming to exploit spaces left by opponents. However, converting chances into goals remains a challenge, as reflected in their recent scoring record.

Santos FC vs Sport Recife: Head-to-Head Record

Santos FC and Sport Recife have met 28 times in total, with Santos winning 10, Sport Recife winning 8, and 10 matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter was a thrilling 2-2 draw in Serie A earlier this year, highlighting the competitive nature of this fixture.

In Serie A, the head-to-head record is closely balanced, reflecting the tight contests between these sides. Santos have a slight edge at home, but Sport Recife have shown they can take points on the road.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Sport Recife	Santos FC	2 – 2	Serie A	2025-07-26
Sport Recife	Santos FC	2 – 1	Serie B	2024-11-24
Santos FC	Sport Recife	1 – 1	Serie B	2024-08-03
Sport Recife	Santos FC	0 – 0	Serie A	2021-10-17
Santos FC	Sport Recife	0 – 0	Serie A	2021-06-30