Juventude vs Santos FC Prediction & Match Preview, Wednesday, 3 December

Juventude vs Santos FC Prediction & Match Preview: This Serie A clash is set for Wednesday, 3 December. Juventude will be looking to make the most of their home advantage, although the specific venue remains unspecified. This match presents an intriguing contest as both teams aim to climb the league table.

Juventude, renowned for their resilient performances, face a stern test against Santos FC. With both sides seeking crucial Serie A points, fans can expect a tactical battle as each team looks to outwit the other on the pitch.

Juventude vs Santos FC: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Santos FC to Win	1.74

Santos FC are in a stronger position, both in terms of recent form and head-to-head superiority. With odds around 2.20, backing Santos FC to win offers excellent value. Their recent victories and consistent performances, particularly away from home, make them a reliable selection.

• Santos FC have won three of the last five meetings with Juventude.
• Juventude have managed just one win in their last three games and are hampered by key injuries.
• Santos FC have shown strong away form, as demonstrated by recent important victories.

Betting Odds

Juventude are the underdogs in this Serie A encounter, with odds of 4.52 reflecting their uphill task against Santos FC. Meanwhile, Santos FC are favourites at 1.74, indicating the bookmakers’ confidence in their superior form.

Betting Tip	Odds
Juventude to win	4.52
Draw	3.57
Santos FC to win	1.74

For those considering a bet, the draw is priced at 3.57, which may appeal given the unpredictable nature of league matches. The over 2.5 goals market is also worth watching, as both teams have shown they are capable of scoring.

Juventude: Analysis & Recent Performance

Juventude’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five matches. Their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw against Bahia, highlighted their competitive but inconsistent nature. These results have left them 19th in Serie A with 34 points, underlining a difficult season.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Juventude	Bahia	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	28 Nov 2025
Sao Paulo	Juventude	2 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	23 Nov 2025
Juventude	Cruzeiro	3 – 3 (Draw)	Serie A	20 Nov 2025
Vasco da Gama	Juventude	1 – 3 (Win)	Serie A	8 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Juventude	0 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	5 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Juventude have shown promise, averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five matches. They have scored in all five, with Bill leading the scoring charts on eight goals this season. Defensively, they have been less convincing, conceding an average of 1.40 goals per game and keeping just one clean sheet during this run.

At home, Juventude have won only one of their last five, drawing two and losing two, which equates to a 20% home win rate. They have managed to score in every home fixture, maintaining an attacking threat, but have conceded in four out of five, exposing defensive frailties.

• DLDWW

Juventude: Suspensions & Injuries

Juventude are facing a difficult situation with several injuries that could significantly impact their tactical setup against Santos FC. Emerson Galego is sidelined with an ankle injury until mid-December, removing a key defensive option. Gilberto Oliveira’s thigh injury has ruled him out for the season, severely limiting midfield depth. Wilker Ángel is also out with a thigh problem, while Daniel Peixoto and Lucas Fernandes are both struggling with muscle injuries, leaving Juventude’s squad depth stretched. These absences may force coach Thiago Carpini to make tactical adjustments to compensate for gaps in midfield and defence.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Caique Gonçalves	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

Caique Gonçalves is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, further compounding Juventude’s midfield issues. His one-match ban is likely to see Mandaca or Nenê step in, though neither may fully replicate Caique’s defensive contribution. This suspension adds complexity to Juventude’s game plan, requiring players to adapt quickly to maintain stability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Emerson Galego	Ankle injury	Mid December 2025
Gilberto Oliveira	Thigh injury	Out for the season
Wilker Ángel	Thigh injury	About a week
Daniel Peixoto	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Lucas Fernandes	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks

These injuries and the suspension could have notable betting implications, as Juventude’s weakened squad may shift the odds in favour of Santos FC. The absence of several first-team regulars could result in a more defensive approach, as Thiago Carpini looks to mitigate the impact. Bettors should consider these tactical adjustments and the potential for a subdued attacking display from Juventude when placing their bets.

Juventude: Key Players

Leading the line for Juventude is their top scorer Bill, who has netted eight times this season. His sharp instincts and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat to Santos FC’s backline. Bill’s finishing ability will be pivotal to Juventude’s attacking strategy as he looks to capitalise on opportunities created by his teammates.

In midfield, Nenê is a crucial figure, renowned for his playmaking and vision. His experience and ability to control the tempo will be essential in breaking down Santos FC’s defensive setup. Alongside him, Luís Mandaca offers dynamism and defensive cover, ensuring balance between attack and defence. At the back, Marcos Paulo will be vital in maintaining solidity, using his positioning and tackling to thwart opposition attacks.

Expected lineup for Juventude

• Goalkeeper: Jandrei
• Defenders: Luan Freitas, Rodrigo Sam, Marcos Paulo
• Midfielders: Igor Formiga, Nenê, Luís Mandaca, Marcelo Hermes, Rafael Bilu, Sebastião Ênio
• Forward: Gabriel Taliari

These key players are expected to shape Juventude’s tactical approach, with Bill spearheading the attack and the midfield partnership of Nenê and Mandaca orchestrating play. Defensively, Marcos Paulo’s presence should ensure a robust backline. The combination of these players’ strengths could significantly influence the outcome and give Juventude a competitive edge.

Juventude: Tactics & Formation

Juventude Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Bill
• Midfield Engine: Nenê and Marcelo Hermes
• Defensive Setup: Three-man backline with Luan Freitas and Rodrigo Sam
• Notable Strategy: Compact defensive setup with reliance on counter-attacks.

Juventude typically line up in a 3-5-2 formation, focusing on a compact defensive shape. The three-man defence, featuring Luan Freitas and Rodrigo Sam, provides a solid base, while the midfield, led by experienced players like Nenê and Marcelo Hermes, aims to control possession and dictate the tempo.

Offensively, Juventude rely heavily on the finishing ability of Bill, their top scorer with eight goals this season. His partnership with Rafael Bilu in attack is crucial for breaking down opposition defences, particularly on the counter.

Defensively, Juventude have struggled at times, as shown by just one clean sheet in their last five matches. However, their ability to score in four of those games highlights a balanced approach between attack and defence, though their clean sheet ratio remains a concern at 0.20.

Santos FC: Analysis & Recent Performance

Santos FC have experienced mixed results recently, reflecting their position in the lower half of the Serie A table. Over their last five matches, they have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat, giving them a 40% win rate. Notably, their recent emphatic 3-0 home victory over Sport Recife showcased their attacking potential.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Santos FC	Sport Recife	3 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	29 Nov 2025
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

Recent Form:

• WDDWL

Santos FC have been fairly consistent in front of goal, averaging 1.60 goals per game in their last five outings. However, their defence has been less reliable, conceding an average of 1.00 goal per match and managing only two clean sheets. Away from home, Santos FC have struggled, failing to win any of their last five away fixtures, with three losses and two draws. Their away win rate stands at 0%, highlighting a key weakness on the road.

Santos FC: Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC face a significant setback with the absence of Gonzalo Escobar, who is out for the remainder of the season with a thigh injury. His absence will likely affect the team’s defensive solidity, as Escobar has been a key figure in their backline. His defensive qualities and ability to support attacks will be sorely missed. The responsibility to fill this gap may fall to Souza, who will need to step up and provide similar defensive assurance.

Escobar’s injury may prompt coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda to adjust his tactics to maintain defensive stability. With limited options at left-back, Santos FC may opt for a more conservative approach, potentially deploying a defensive-minded midfielder to cover the flanks. This could result in a change of formation or style to mitigate defensive vulnerabilities.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Gonzalo Escobar	Thigh injury	Out for the season

Escobar’s absence could have a notable impact on the betting markets, as his defensive contributions are integral to Santos FC’s strategy. Bettors should take this into account when assessing Santos FC’s prospects against Juventude. The team’s ability to adapt and compensate for Escobar’s loss will be crucial to maintaining their competitive edge.

Santos FC: Key Players

Santos FC’s attacking threat is led by Álvaro Barreal, the team’s top scorer with nine goals this season. His ability to exploit space and clinical finishing make him a constant danger to any defence. Barreal’s partnership with fellow forwards Guilherme Augusto and Tiquinho Soares is central to Santos FC’s attacking approach, as they complement each other’s strengths, with Barreal often finishing attacking moves.

In midfield, Neymar Jr is indispensable as a playmaker. His vision and ability to unlock defences with precise passing are crucial. Alongside Neymar, Willian Arão provides defensive solidity and transitional play, while João Schmidt adds creativity and ball control. This midfield trio is vital for dictating the tempo and maintaining possession, which will be key against Juventude.

Expected lineup for Santos FC

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Igor Vinícius, Adonis Frías, Zé Ivaldo, João Souza
• Midfielders: João Schmidt, Willian Arão, Neymar Jr
• Forwards: Álvaro Barreal, Guilherme Augusto, Tiquinho Soares

Santos FC: Tactics & Formation

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Recently used a 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Tiquinho Soares
• Midfield Pivot: Willian Arão and João Schmidt
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on possession and versatile attacking options.

In recent matches, Santos FC have predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 formation, offering balance between defence and attack. Willian Arão and João Schmidt form a solid midfield pivot, vital for breaking up opposition play and launching attacks.

The attacking responsibilities rest heavily on Tiquinho Soares, supported by creative talents such as Neymar and Álvaro Barreal. Offensively, Santos FC aim to maintain possession and create chances through dynamic movement and intricate passing, often leveraging Neymar’s individual skill.

Defensively, Santos FC have improved, keeping two clean sheets in their last five games. The defensive line, including Igor Vinícius and Zé Ivaldo, is tasked with maintaining shape while supporting forward play with overlapping runs. Despite recent improvements, their away record remains a concern, as they are winless in their last five away matches.

Juventude vs Santos FC: Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Juventude and Santos FC, Santos hold the advantage with eight wins to Juventude’s four, and five draws. Their last meeting saw Santos FC secure a 3-1 home victory in Serie A, underlining their dominance in recent encounters.

Looking at their Serie A clashes, Santos FC have consistently outperformed Juventude, especially in recent seasons. Juventude will be eager to improve their record, having last beaten Santos at home in 2021.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Santos FC	Juventude	3 – 1	Serie A	2025-08-04
Santos FC	Juventude	4 – 1	Serie A	2022-10-10
Juventude	Santos FC	1 – 2	Serie A	2022-06-15
Juventude	Santos FC	3 – 0	Serie A	2021-09-26
Santos FC	Juventude	0 – 0	Serie A	2021-06-12