Santos FC vs. Grêmio Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 2 October 2025

Santos FC welcome Grêmio to Villa Belmiro for a crucial Serie A clash on 2 October 2025. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the league standings as we head into the business end of the season.

Santos currently sit 16th with 27 points and are just five points above the relegation zone. However, they have been performing well recently, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s side seems to be playing better without Neymar, who is out injured until November.

Grêmio, on the other hand, are in 10th place with 32 points. They come into this match off a 3-1 victory over Vitória, showing their attacking prowess. But their Achilles heel has been conceding goals; they haven’t managed a clean sheet in their last five games.

With key players like Neymar and Martin Braithwaite missing out, this could likely be a tightly contested match. Considering that both sides have been prone to drawing games recently, the recommended bet is a draw. This match could very well end in a stalemate, reflecting the evenly-matched nature of these two sides.

Santos FC vs Grêmio Prediction & Betting Tip

Santos FC vs Grêmio Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Draw	3.28

Best Bet Recommendation: Draw

Reasoning:

1. Recent Form and Head-to-Head: Both Santos FC and Grêmio have shown a tendency to draw matches recently. Santos has drawn 3 of their last 5 matches, while Grêmio has drawn 2. Their head-to-head history also includes a draw in their last 5 meetings.
2. Injuries Impact: Key players are missing for both teams, with Neymar out for Santos and top scorer Martin Braithwaite out for Grêmio. This could lead to a more balanced match with neither team having a decisive attacking edge.
3. Defensive Vulnerabilities: Both teams have shown defensive weaknesses, with Santos conceding 34 goals this season and Grêmio 31. This could lead to a cautious approach from both sides, further supporting the likelihood of a draw.

Santos FC vs Grêmio Odds

This Serie A clash between Santos FC and Grêmio promises to be an interesting battle, and the odds reflect a tight contest. Santos FC are slightly favoured by the bookmakers, reflecting their recent unbeaten run and home advantage.

Santos FC vs Grêmio Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Santos FC	2.01
Draw	3.28
Grêmio	3.70

The odds suggest that while Santos FC are the favourites, a draw is seen as a plausible result given the recent form and injuries on both sides.

It’s worth noting that Santos have not lost in their last four matches and have kept two clean sheets in their recent games. Meanwhile, despite Grêmio’s good attack, their defensive struggles and the absence of key players make this a tightly poised encounter. Punters might find value in considering a draw at 3.28, especially given both teams’ tendency to share points in recent matches.

Santos FC Team Analysis

Santos FC Recent Performance

Santos FC’s recent performance has shown signs of resilience, with their last five matches resulting in two draws, two wins, and one loss. The team’s recent form reads LDDWD, indicating a relatively steady run.

1. Recent Matches:

• Red Bull Bragantino 2 – 2 Santos FC
• Santos FC 1 – 0 São Paulo
• Atlético MG 1 – 1 Santos FC
• Santos FC 0 – 0 Fluminense
• Bahia 2 – 0 Santos FC

2. Average Goals & Clean Sheets:

• Santos have managed an average of 0.80 goals per game in their last five matches.
• Defensively, they’ve maintained two clean sheets during this period.

The team appears to have found a better balance without Neymar, indicating their ability to step up collectively. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s influence seems to be bearing fruit as the team fights to stay above the relegation zone, currently sitting in 16th place with 27 points. Continuing this unbeaten streak will be crucial as they look to secure their position in the league.

Santos FC Key Players

Santos FC have a few key players to watch out for despite the absence of Neymar:

1. Álvaro Barreal: The team’s top scorer with 6 goals, Barreal has been crucial in their attacking play. His performance could be pivotal in breaking down Grêmio’s defense.
2. Gabriel Brazão: As the last line of defense, Brazão has been solid, particularly in maintaining the team’s two recent clean sheets.
3. Benjamin Rollheiser: Another vital player in midfield, Rollheiser’s ability to control the game and create opportunities will be essential.

Expected Lineup for Santos FC:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Mayke, Alexis Duarte, Luan Peres, Gonzalo Escobar
• Midfielders: Álvaro Barreal, Zé Rafael, João Schmidt, Benjamin Rollheiser
• Forwards: Guilherme Augusto, Lautaro Díaz

Santos will be hoping for strong performances from these players to secure a positive result.

Santos FC Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC are dealing with several injuries that could significantly impact their squad depth and performance:

1. Gabriel Bontempo: Out with a thigh injury, expected to return in about a week.
2. Neymar Jr: Also sidelined with a thigh injury, anticipated to return early October but will miss this crucial match.
3. Victor Hugo: Suffering from a thigh injury, his return is expected in mid-October.
4. Adonis Frias: With a calf injury, he’s also expected back in mid-October.

These absences, particularly Neymar’s, who is a key attacking threat, could limit Santos’s offensive capabilities. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the voids left by these injured talents. The squad’s depth and resilience will be tested in this important fixture against Grêmio.

Santos FC Tactics and Formation

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Lautaro Díaz
• Midfield Trio: Álvaro Barreal, Zé Rafael, João Schmidt
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacks

Santos have been employing a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. This setup allows them to be flexible in both defence and attack. With Lautaro Díaz as the main forward, the aim is to utilise his pace and positioning to stretch the opposition’s defence.

The midfield trio of Álvaro Barreal, Zé Rafael, and João Schmidt provides a mix of creativity and defensive cover. Barreal, also the team’s top scorer, will look to exploit spaces and drive forward. Defensively, they focus on maintaining shape and hitting opponents on the break, which has contributed to their recent clean sheets.

This tactical approach will be crucial against Grêmio, especially given the absences of key players like Neymar Jr.

Grêmio Team Analysis

Grêmio Recent Performance

Grêmio has had a mixed bag of results recently, reflected in their last five matches, where they recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss. Their recent form reads DLWDW.

1. Recent Matches:

• Grêmio 3 – 1 Vitória
• Grêmio 1 – 1 Botafogo RJ
• Internacional 2 – 3 Grêmio
• Grêmio 0 – 1 Mirassol
• Flamengo 1 – 1 Grêmio

2. Average Goals & Clean Sheets:

• Grêmio have averaged 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches.
• Defensively, they haven’t managed a clean sheet in this period.

Their offense has been quite potent, but defensively, they’ve been vulnerable. Key players like Martin Braithwaite are missing, which could impact their goal-scoring abilities. Coach Mano Menezes will need to address these issues to maintain their 10th-place position with 32 points. Their performance against Santos FC, despite challenges, will be crucial for their standing in Serie A.

Grêmio Key Players

Despite being plagued by injuries, Grêmio has several key players who can make a difference on the field:

1. Cristian Pavón: Known for his pace and dribbling skills, Pavón has been crucial in Grêmio’s offensive setup.
2. Arthur: Returning from suspension, Arthur adds stability and creativity to the midfield, helping to control the game.
3. André Henrique: As the main center forward in the absence of Martin Braithwaite, Henrique will be relied upon to provide goals.

Expected Lineup for Grêmio:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Grando
• Defenders: Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Martins, Walter Kannemann, Marlon
• Midfielders: Erick Noriega, Arthur, Edenílson, Alysson Edward, Cristian Pavón
• Forward: André Henrique

The match will likely feature intriguing battles, such as Pavón against Santos’ defence, and Arthur’s midfield creativity up against Santos’ compact formation. These key players will be essential for Grêmio to secure a positive result.

Grêmio Suspensions & Injuries

Grêmio are dealing with a raft of injuries, which could significantly impact their performance:

1. Rodrigo Ely: Out with a cruciate ligament injury, expected to return mid-December.
2. Miguel Monsalve: Sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, potential return in early October.
3. João Lucas: Suffering from a muscle injury, expected back in 1-2 weeks.
4. Mathías Villasanti: Out for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
5. Fabián Balbuena: Recovering from a broken ankle, likely to return in early December.
6. Riquelme Freitas: Thigh injury, potential return in early October.
7. Martin Braithwaite: Out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury.
8. João Pedro: Shoulder injury, out for the season.
9. Gustavo Cuéllar: Muscle injury, expected back in 1-2 weeks.
10. Carlos Vinícius: Muscle injury, expected return in 1-2 weeks.
11. Tiago Volpi: Doubtful with an unknown injury.
12. Willian: Out for the season with a broken foot.

These injuries, especially the loss of key players like Braithwaite, will challenge coach Mano Menezes to find effective replacements and strategies to secure vital points.

Grêmio Tactics and Formation

Grêmio Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: André Henrique
• Dynamic Midfield: Arthur, Edenílson
• Defensive Issues: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilising pace on the wings with Cristian Pavón

Grêmio often employ a 4-4-2 formation under coach Mano Menezes, focusing on a balanced midfield and consistent wing play. André Henrique, stepping up in Martin Braithwaite’s absence, is expected to lead the attack. The midfield will be anchored by Arthur and Edenílson, who provide both creativity and stability.

Defensively, Grêmio have struggled, conceding in each of their last five matches. However, their attacking strategy often involves quick transitions and making use of the speed and dribbling capabilities of Cristian Pavón on the wings.

The versatility in their midfield allows them to adapt to various scenarios, but their defensive frailties could be a concern against a motivated Santos FC side.

Santos FC vs Grêmio Head-to-Head Statistics

Analysing the last five meetings between Santos FC and Grêmio provides a clear picture of how competitive these matches have been:

1. 2025-05-04: Grêmio 1 – 0 Santos FC
2. 2023-08-20: Santos FC 2 – 1 Grêmio
3. 2023-04-16: Grêmio 1 – 0 Santos FC
4. 2021-10-10: Santos FC 1 – 0 Grêmio
5. 2021-06-25: Grêmio 2 – 2 Santos FC

Key Points:

• Each side has won two of their last five encounters, highlighting a balanced rivalry.
• The most recent match saw Grêmio edge out Santos FC with a narrow 1-0 win.
• Interestingly, both teams have managed to keep their defensive shape in most of these encounters, as reflected by three clean sheets in the five games.

The head-to-head indicates a hard-fought fixture each time they meet, and given the current circumstances surrounding injuries and form, another closely contested match is likely.

Odds accurate as of 30.09.2025 01:34, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.