Santos FC vs. Fluminense Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 31 August 2025

Santos FC welcomes Fluminense for a crucial clash in Serie A on 31 August 2025 at 20:00. Both teams have had tumultuous seasons and will be looking to grab crucial points as they head into the later stages of the competition.

Santos, led by Juan Pablo Vojvoda, are currently positioned 15th with 21 points and have been under scrutiny, particularly the criticism surrounding Neymar’s performance and high salary. The club’s reliance on Neymar has been questioned, with concerns over potential relegation if the trend continues. Fluminense, currently 9th with 27 points, are under the guidance of Renato Gaúcho and are coming off a fluctuating run, including a contentious defeat to RB Bragantino.

Historically, Fluminense has had the upper hand in recent encounters, but both teams are known to score and concede regularly. Given this, the recommended bet is Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 2.00 odds, with Santos scoring 1.40 goals per game on average in their last five matches and Fluminense 1.60.

Expect an open and potentially high-scoring match that could help shape the destiny of both teams’ seasons.

Santos FC vs Fluminense Prediction & Betting tip

Santos FC vs Fluminense Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (Yes)	2.00

Why this is a good bet:

• Goal Scoring Form: Both Santos and Fluminense have shown a consistent ability to both score and concede goals. Santos scores 1.40 goals per game on average in their last five matches, while Fluminense averages 1.60.
• Both Teams Scored Statistics: The likelihood of both teams finding the net is strong, with 45% of Santos’ matches and 58% of Fluminense’s matches this season featuring both teams scoring.
• Recent Head-to-Head: Past encounters between the two sides have often been high-scoring. For example, their most recent meeting ended 4-2, indicating the potential for an open and entertaining match with both teams finding the net.

Given these factors, betting on Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 2.00 odds seems to offer good value and aligns with the patterns seen in recent performances.

Santos FC vs Fluminense Odds

This matchup between Santos FC and Fluminense has some interesting betting odds that reflect the competitive nature of both teams.

Santos FC vs Fluminense Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Santos FC	2.28
Draw	3.14
Fluminense	3.17

The bookmaker odds favour Santos FC slightly, with odds of 2.28 for a home win. Fluminense, despite their better standing in the league, are considered underdogs at 3.17. A draw is set at 3.14.

Given the form and historical performances, combined with both teams’ tendencies to score and concede, these odds suggest a closely contested fixture. Bettors may find value in both the outright win options and the draw, reflecting the uncertainty and competitive balance expected in this encounter.

Add these odds into your betting strategy, considering the teams’ current forms, goal-scoring abilities, and injury lists to make a well-informed wager.

Santos FC Team Analysis

Santos FC Recent Performance

In their last five matches, Santos FC have a mixed record of two wins, two losses, and a draw.
Recent Form: DWWLL

Santos FC’s recent performances showcase a rollercoaster of results. Their two wins, including a 3-1 victory against Juventude, were promising, highlighting their attacking prowess with an average of 1.40 goals scored per game. However, they have also faced heavy defeats, such as their 0-6 drubbing by Vasco da Gama, underscoring defensive weaknesses with zero clean sheets in their last five games.

The team’s inconsistency has been partially attributed to internal issues, including reliance on Neymar, whose high salary and inconsistent performances have drawn criticism. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda will be aiming to stabilize his squad and improve their standings, currently at 15th with 21 points, in the remaining fixtures.

Santos FC Key Players

Santos FC will rely heavily on their top scorer, Álvaro Barreal, who has netted 5 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial, especially considering the team’s defensive fragility, having kept zero clean sheets in their last five matches.

Another key player is Tiquinho Soares, who forms part of the attacking trio with Barreal and Benjamin Rollheiser. Their combined efforts will be vital in breaking down Fluminense’s defense.

Given recent criticism surrounding Neymar’s performance and his potential exclusion due to injury, Gabriel Bontempo, playing in the attacking midfielder role, will need to step up and provide creative spark.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda is expected to field the following lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Mayke, Luisão, Luan Peres, Gonzalo Escobar
• Midfielders: Tomas Rincon, Joao Schmidt, Gabriel Bontempo
• Forwards: Benjamin Rollheiser, Álvaro Barreal, Tiquinho Soares

Key battles to watch include Barreal against Fluminense’s veteran defender Thiago Silva, which could be a decisive factor in the match.

Santos FC Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC heads into this match with a few notable injury concerns.

• Willian Arao is sidelined due to a calf injury but is expected to return in about a week.
• Joao Basso is also out with a thigh injury with a similar recovery timeline.
• The big question mark remains around Neymar Jr, who is dealing with a thigh injury and is doubtful for the match.

The exclusion of Neymar Jr. due to injury could severely impact Santos’ attacking options. Neymar has faced criticism for his recent performances and has been seen as a burden on the team. However, his presence on the pitch still demands attention from the opposition. The potential absence of key defenders like Arao and Basso further highlights the fragility of Santos’ defence, which could struggle against Fluminense’s attack.

These injuries add pressure on the remaining squad, especially Álvaro Barreal, Tiquinho Soares, and Gabriel Bontempo, to step up and perform at a higher level.

Santos FC Tactics and Formation

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Álvaro Barreal
• Midfield Trio: Tomas Rincon, Joao Schmidt, Gabriel Bontempo
• Defensive Strength: Lacking, as indicated by zero clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on quick transitions and exploiting the flanks with Rollheiser and Barreal.

Santos FC’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows flexibility in both attack and defence. The reliance on key players like Barreal and Tiquinho Soares for goal-scoring is essential, especially with Neymar’s inconsistent form and potential absence.

Tomas Rincon and Joao Schmidt serve as the double pivot in midfield, providing cover for a defence that has struggled to maintain clean sheets. Full-backs Mayke and Gonzalo Escobar are encouraged to join the attack, adding width and supporting forward plays.

Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s strategy revolves around a strong attacking approach, aiming to capitalize on the speed and creativity of his wingers and playmaker Gabriel Bontempo.

Fluminense Team Analysis

Fluminense Recent Performance

Fluminense have demonstrated a mix of strong performances and recent setbacks in their last five matches.
Recent Form: WWWLL

The team managed three consecutive wins, showcasing their scoring capability with an average of 1.60 goals per game. Noteworthy victories include a solid 2-1 win over Fortaleza in Serie A and a 2-0 triumph against America de Cali in the Copa Sudamericana.

However, recent defeats to Bahia (1-0) in the Cup and RB Bragantino (4-2) in Serie A have highlighted some vulnerabilities in the squad, especially in defence, which kept just one clean sheet in their last five games.

Coach Renato Gaúcho will be looking to rectify these issues to maintain their push up the standings, currently holding 9th place with 27 points. Their recent form suggests a team capable of bouncing back, but structural defensive improvements are essential.

Fluminense Key Players

Fluminense’s attack will hinge on their talisman, German Cano, who has scored 5 goals this season, making him the team’s top scorer. His ability to exploit defensive lapses will be crucial, especially given Santos FC’s defensive frailties.

Midfield dynamism will be provided by Hercules and Martinelli, the latter orchestrating play from deeper positions and contributing both defensively and offensively. The creativity of Ganso or substitute Lucho Acosta, depending on selection, will also be pivotal in breaking down Santos’ defence.

Fluminense’s defence, marshalled by the experienced Thiago Silva, will have their work cut out against Santos’ forward line, particularly Álvaro Barreal.

Expected lineup for Fluminense:

• Goalkeeper: Fabio
• Defenders: Guga, Thiago Silva, Juan Pablo Freytes, Rene
• Midfielders: Hercules, Martinelli, Ganso
• Forwards: Kevin Serna, Keno, German Cano

Key battles to watch include German Cano against Santos’ centre-backs Luisão and Luan Peres, which could prove decisive.

Fluminense Suspensions & Injuries

Fluminense head into this match with several key absences that could impact their performance:

• Matheus Reis is out with a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to return in early September 2025.
• Otavio is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury, making him doubtful for this match.
• Samuel Xavier is sidelined with a thigh injury and will be unavailable until late September 2025.
• Fluminense also face suspensions with Gabriel Fuentes and Agustín Canobbio each missing due to accrued yellow cards and will serve a one-match ban.

These absences, particularly the defensive gaps left by Samuel Xavier and Matheus Reis, will put additional pressure on Fluminense’s remaining defenders, increasing the workload on experienced players like Thiago Silva. Coach Renato Gaúcho will need to adapt his game plan to compensate for these missing pieces, potentially affecting Fluminense’s defensive stability.

Fluminense Tactics and Formation

Fluminense Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: German Cano
• Midfield Trio: Hercules, Martinelli, Ganso
• Defensive Strength: Limited, as noted from only one clean sheet in the last five matches.
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing the wings to exploit the opposition’s defensive weaknesses while relying on the creativity of Ganso or Lucho Acosta in the central area.

Fluminense often deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Renato Gaúcho, focusing on building play through a solid midfield foundation provided by Hercules and Martinelli. German Cano, their top scorer, will be crucial in converting chances created from wide players like Kevin Serna and Keno.

With defensive vulnerabilities evident, Fluminense rely on experienced heads like Thiago Silva to stabilize the backline. They also aim to control possession and press high up the field to win the ball back quickly, using fast transitions to catch the opponent off-guard.

Adaptations will be necessary due to injuries and suspensions, particularly in integrating substitutes effectively to cover for absentees.

Santos FC vs Fluminense Head-to-Head Statistics

Looking at the recent head-to-head encounters, Fluminense appears to have the upper hand over Santos FC. In their last five meetings, Fluminense secured three wins, including a 1-0 victory earlier this year on 13 April 2025. Another notable result was their 3-0 triumph away at Santos in November 2023.

Santos FC has managed to hold Fluminense to draws on two occasions but haven’t secured a win over their rivals in these recent fixtures. The most memorable draw was a 2-2 result on 1 August 2022, showcasing a more competitive edge.

This history paints a challenging picture for Santos, who are currently struggling in the league. However, given the competitive nature and both teams’ tendencies to score, another open and high-scoring match could be on the cards.

With Fluminense’s slight dominance in these fixtures, Santos will need to break the pattern to change their fortunes in this matchup.

Odds accurate as of 29.08.2025 20:04, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.