Santos FC vs. Fortaleza Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 1 November 2025

Kicking off on 1 November 2025 at 19:00, this Serie A matchup between Santos FC and Fortaleza promises to be a critical encounter in the battle against relegation. Currently, Santos sits 16th with 32 points, narrowly above the relegation zone and facing immense pressure to secure a win, especially after their president expressed concerns about the club’s financial and competitive predicament.

Fortaleza is in 18th place with 27 points, also desperate for a victory to climb out of the danger zone. Despite these positions, both teams have shown inconsistent form. Santos is winless in their last two matches, while Fortaleza recently managed a notable victory against Flamengo.

Given the stakes, this match could be pivotal for both sides. A recommended bet would be a draw or Fortaleza double chance, as both teams are battling for survival and possess similar form and vulnerabilities.

For Santos, key players like Alvaro Barreal and Lautaro Diaz will be crucial, while Fortaleza will look to Breno Lopes to continue his scoring form. The match is expected to be tense and closely contested.

Santos FC vs Fortaleza Prediction & Betting Tip

Santos FC vs Fortaleza Prediction
Betting tip
Draw or Fortaleza Double Chance – Odds: 1.60

This bet offers a safe route, considering both teams’ form and current standings. Here’s why it’s a solid choice:

• Inconsistent Form: Both teams have had erratic performances recently. Santos have failed to secure consistent results, highlighted by their mixed DLWLD form. Fortaleza, although struggling with a long injury list, showed resilience in their win against Flamengo.
• Defensive Vulnerabilities: Santos has not managed a clean sheet in their last five matches, and Fortaleza’s one clean sheet in the same period indicates a potential for a low-scoring draw or a narrow win for either side.
• Head-to-Head History: While Santos won the last encounter 3-2, Fortaleza has a slight edge in the recent head-to-head matchups, with three wins in the last five, suggesting they can avoid defeat.

Santos FC vs Fortaleza Odds

When it comes to betting odds for the upcoming match between Santos FC and Fortaleza, the bookmakers’ figures reflect the current standings and form of both teams. Santos FC, playing at home, are the favourites despite their struggles in the league, with odds of 1.74 for a win. A draw is given at 3.64, while an away win for Fortaleza stands at 4.42.

Santos FC vs Fortaleza Betting Odds
Bet
Santos FC
Draw
Fortaleza

Given Santos’ defensive issues and Fortaleza’s capability to cause upsets, these odds present a balanced view. Backing a draw or a Fortaleza double chance provides value, considering the visitors’ recent resilience and Santos’ inconsistent form. Expect a closely contested game influencing both teams’ survival hopes in Serie A.

Santos FC Team Analysis

Santos FC Recent Performance

Santos FC’s recent form in Serie A reveals a team battling inconsistencies, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their performance metrics further illustrate this struggle:

• Recent Matches:
  • Botafogo RJ 2 – 2 Santos FC
  • Santos FC 0 – 1 Vitoria
  • Santos FC 3 – 1 Corinthians
  • Ceara 3 – 0 Santos FC
  • Santos FC 1 – 1 Gremio
• Key Statistics:
  • Average Goals Scored in Last 5 Games: 1.20
  • Clean Sheets in Last 5 Games: 0

Despite the attacking prowess of Alvaro Barreal, who tops their scoring charts with 8 goals this season, defensive vulnerabilities are evident. The team has conceded frequently, particularly in the latter stages of matches, highlighting a need for improved concentration and organization. With crucial games coming up, Santos must stabilize their form to secure their Serie A status.

Santos FC Key Players

Santos FC, despite their current standing, boast several standout performers crucial to their survival bid. Leading the attack is Alvaro Barreal, the team’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat. Supporting Barreal is Lautaro Diaz, who has proven to be an essential presence up front.

In midfield, the experienced Joao Schmidt will look to control the game’s tempo alongside Ze Rafael, who offers defensive solidity. Defensively, the centre-back pairing of Adonis Frias and Luan Peres will need to be at their best to shore up a backline that has struggled to keep clean sheets.

Expected lineup for Santos FC:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Igor Vinicius, Adonis Frias, Luan Peres, Gonzalo Escobar
• Midfielders: Ze Rafael, Joao Schmidt, Alvaro Barreal
• Attackers: Benjamin Rollheiser, Guilherme Augusto, Lautaro Diaz

Key individual battles to watch include Barreal against Fortaleza’s defenders and Schmidt’s midfield duel with Lucas Sasha, which could prove pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.

Santos FC Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC will head into this crucial matchup without several key players, a scenario that might significantly impact their game plan. The absence of star player Neymar Jr., due to a thigh injury, is a significant blow. Scheduled for a potential return in early November 2025, Neymar’s creative spark and finishing ability will be sorely missed.

Additionally, defensive midfielder Tomas Rincon is sidelined with a calf injury, also hoping to rejoin the team in about a week. His absence leaves a gap in the midfield, affecting the team’s overall balance and defensive anchor.

Furthermore, Joao Souza is suspended following an accumulation of yellow cards, which means he will miss this fixture. His suspension further depletes Santos’ defensive options.

These absences force coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda to rely heavily on the available squad members to step up, particularly in vital defensive and midfield roles. The team’s depth and adaptability will be tested in this high-stakes encounter.

Santos FC Tactics and Formation

For their upcoming match against Fortaleza, Santos FC is expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Lautaro Diaz
• Attacking Midfield Support: Alvaro Barreal
• Midfield Stability: Ze Rafael and Joao Schmidt anchoring the midfield

Defensive Focus:

• Struggles with maintaining clean sheets, with zero shutouts in the last five matches.
• Will rely on the experienced centre-back duo of Adonis Frias and Luan Peres to tighten up the defense.

Attacking Strategy:

• Barreal’s creativity in the number 10 role is crucial, complementing Diaz’s firepower.
• Expecting to use width and pace with Rollheiser and Guilherme Augusto on the wings.

Key Interval:

• Santos FC has conceded most goals in the latter stages of matches (76-90 and 61-75 minutes), indicating a need for stronger defensive focus as the game progresses.

These tactical elements will be crucial as Santos aims for stability and a critical win in their battle against relegation.

Fortaleza Team Analysis

Fortaleza Recent Performance

Fortaleza’s recent form in Serie A has been a mixed bag, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. Their performances have been marked by both resilience and inconsistency:

• Recent Matches:
  • Fortaleza 1 – 0 Flamengo
  • Cruzeiro 1 – 0 Fortaleza
  • Fortaleza 0 – 2 Vasco da Gama
  • Juventude 1 – 2 Fortaleza
  • Fortaleza 0 – 2 Sao Paulo
• Key Statistics:
  • Average Goals Scored in Last 5 Games: 0.60
  • Clean Sheets in Last 5 Games: 1

Fortaleza has shown they can pull off surprising wins, such as their victory against Flamengo. However, their attack has struggled with consistency, averaging just 0.60 goals in their last five encounters. Defensively, they have managed only one clean sheet, reflecting vulnerabilities that Santos may aim to exploit. With several key players injured, Fortaleza’s depth and determination will be tested in this crucial fixture.

Fortaleza Key Players

Despite their current struggles, Fortaleza relies on several key players to navigate this pivotal stage of the season. Breno Lopes, the team’s leading scorer with 5 goals, will be vital in their attacking efforts. His ability to exploit defensive gaps makes him Fortaleza’s primary threat in front of goal. The midfield, marshaled by Lucas Sasha, provides the necessary balance between defense and attack.

Expected lineup for Fortaleza:

• Goalkeeper: Brenno Costa
• Defenders: Eros Mancuso, Emanuel Britez, Gaston Avila, Bruno Pacheco
• Midfielders: Pierre, Lucas Sasha, Tomas Pochettino
• Attackers: Jose Herrera, Adam Bareiro, Breno Lopes

Key individual battles will include Breno Lopes challenging Santos’ defenders, and Lucas Sasha’s midfield clash with Joao Schmidt. These encounters could determine which team gains control of the match.

Fortaleza Suspensions & Injuries

Fortaleza is facing a significant challenge with a lengthy injury list going into this crucial match. Seven key players are sidelined, with most expected to return in early November:

• Bruninho, Emmanuel Martinez, Marcelo Benevenuto, Weverson, Lucas Crispim, Allanzinho, and Matheus Pereira are all dealing with thigh injuries.
• Goalkeeper Joao Ricardo is out for the season due to a shoulder injury.
• Marinho is nursing a sprained ankle and is projected to return by mid-November.

This spate of injuries will heavily affect Fortaleza’s depth and disrupt their tactical plans. Coach Martin Palermo must rely on the remaining fit players to fill these gaps and maintain competitive performance levels. This injury situation could tilt the balance in favor of their opponents, Santos FC.

Fortaleza Tactics and Formation

For the match against Santos FC, Fortaleza is likely to stick to their 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been their go-to setup in recent games.
Fortaleza Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Adam Bareiro
• Attacking Support: Breno Lopes and Jose Herrera
• Midfield Stability: Pierre and Lucas Sasha provide a defensive screen, while Tomas Pochettino adds creativity.

Defensive Focus:

• Despite their injury concerns, Fortaleza will rely heavily on Brenno Costa in goal, with Eros Mancuso, Emanuel Britez, Gaston Avila, and Bruno Pacheco forming the back four.
• The defense must remain compact, as they are prone to conceding during the latter stages of matches.

Attacking Strategy:

• Utilizes width and pace, especially through Breno Lopes and Jose Herrera on the wings.
• Key to exploiting Santos’ defensive fragilities, particularly given Santos’ tendency to concede in the 61-75 and 76-90-minute intervals.

Fortaleza needs to leverage their counter-attacks effectively while maintaining a solid defensive framework to mitigate the impact of their injury-hit squad.

Santos FC vs Fortaleza Head-to-Head Statistics

Reviewing the last five meetings between these two teams, it’s clear there’s a competitive edge to their encounters:

• 2025-06-12: Fortaleza 2 – 3 Santos FC (Serie A)
• 2023-12-07: Santos FC 1 – 2 Fortaleza (Serie A)
• 2023-08-13: Fortaleza 4 – 0 Santos FC (Serie A)
• 2022-11-13: Santos FC 0 – 2 Fortaleza (Serie A)
• 2022-07-24: Fortaleza 0 – 0 Santos FC (Serie A)

In these matchups, Fortaleza holds a slight upper hand with three wins. However, Santos FC did win their most recent clash, indicating their potential to challenge.
This history suggests a tight contest, with Fortaleza historically performing better. It’s pivotal for both teams in their quest to avoid relegation, adding extra intensity and stakes to this upcoming matchup.

Odds accurate as of 30.10.2025 19:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.