Santos FC vs São Paulo Prediction, Match Preview, Thursday, 5 February

Santos FC will face São Paulo in a highly anticipated Série A clash on Thursday, 5 February. This match brings together two of Brazil’s most storied clubs, both eager to assert their dominance in the league. Although the venue details are not specified, the encounter promises to be thrilling given the rich history and rivalry between these teams.

Santos FC, renowned for their attacking flair, will be keen to leverage their home advantage against São Paulo, who have been consistent performers in recent seasons. Both sides are vying for crucial points to boost their positions in the Série A standings, making this a significant fixture in the league calendar. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see which team can capitalise on this opportunity.

Santos FC vs São Paulo Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.87

Considering recent performances and head-to-head statistics, the best betting tip for this match is ‘Both Teams To Score (BTTS)’. Both sides have demonstrated attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities, making it highly likely that we will see goals from both teams.

• Recent head-to-head matches have seen both teams find the net, indicating a trend for goals at both ends.
• Santos FC’s recent form and potential return of key attackers bolster their chances of scoring.
• São Paulo’s strong attacking performances, even with key absences, suggest they will also get on the scoresheet.

With Santos FC’s home advantage and attacking potential, combined with São Paulo’s consistent offensive displays, BTTS appears to be a strong bet.

Betting Odds

Santos FC enter the match as favourites, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. São Paulo, however, should not be underestimated, especially with odds that could reward those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Santos FC to Win	2.12
Draw	3.17
São Paulo to Win	3.43

Punters might find value in the draw, given the competitive nature of these Brazilian Série A encounters. Additionally, considering the attacking prowess of both sides, the over 2.5 goals market could also be worth considering.

Santos FC Analysis & Past Performance

Santos FC’s recent form has been challenging, with the team failing to secure a victory in their last five matches, resulting in two losses and three draws. The recent 0-2 defeat against São Paulo highlights their struggle to convert performances into wins.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
São Paulo	Santos FC	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Paulista A1	31 Jan, 2026
Chapecoense AF	Santos FC	4 – 2 (Defeat)	Série A	28 Jan, 2026
Santos FC	Red Bull Bragantino	0 – 0 (Draw)	Paulista A1	25 Jan, 2026
Santos FC	Corinthians	1 – 1 (Draw)	Paulista A1	22 Jan, 2026
Guarani	Santos FC	1 – 1 (Draw)	Paulista A1	18 Jan, 2026

Recent Form:

• LLDDD

Santos FC have averaged 0.80 goals per match, with a total of 4 goals scored in their last five games. Defensively, they have conceded 8 goals, averaging 1.60 per game, with only one clean sheet in this period. Despite their home advantage, they have not secured a win in recent home fixtures, with a win ratio of 0.00. Their 60% both-teams-to-score ratio indicates frequent defensive lapses.

Santos FC Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC face significant challenges ahead of their clash with São Paulo due to key injuries. Neymar Jr’s absence following knee surgery is a substantial blow, given his influence on the pitch and ability to change the game’s dynamics. Additionally, Tiquinho Soares, another offensive threat, is sidelined with a calf injury, further limiting Santos FC’s attacking options.

In midfield, the absence of Willian Arão due to an abdominal injury disrupts Santos FC’s ability to control the game’s tempo and maintain possession under pressure. Thaciano’s thigh injury further compounds these issues, as his versatility in midfield will be missed. These injuries could force coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda to rethink his tactical approach, potentially resulting in a more defensive setup to compensate for the attacking void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Neymar Jr	Knee surgery	Mid February 2026
Tiquinho Soares	Calf injury	Mid February 2026
Willian Arão	Abdominal injury	A few weeks
Thaciano	Thigh injury	Mid February 2026

With these key players unavailable, Santos FC may look towards their squad depth to fill the gaps. Young talents or less experienced players might be called upon to step up, though their ability to match the impact of the missing stars remains uncertain. These absences are likely to influence betting markets, as Santos FC’s chances against São Paulo may be perceived as diminished without their star players.

Santos FC Key Players

Santos FC’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Álvaro Barreal, who has already found the back of the net once this season. Barreal’s agility and precise finishing make him a constant threat in the final third, and his ability to exploit defensive gaps could be pivotal against São Paulo. Alongside him, Gabriel Barbosa, a forward known for his clinical touch and movement, will look to capitalise on any opportunities created by Barreal and the midfield.

João Schmidt and Zé Rafael are the linchpins in midfield, tasked with dictating the tempo and providing defensive solidity. Their capability to transition play swiftly from defence to attack will be crucial in maintaining Santos FC’s tactical balance. In defence, Luan Peres stands out with his composure and aerial ability, essential attributes to thwart São Paulo’s attacking incursions.

Expected lineup for Santos FC:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Igor Vinícius, Adonis Frias, Luan Peres, Vinícius Lira
• Midfielders: João Schmidt, Zé Rafael, Gabriel Bontempo
• Forwards: Benjamin Rollheiser, Álvaro Barreal, Gabriel Barbosa

Santos FC Tactics and Formation

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Álvaro Barreal
• Midfield Engine: Utilising a versatile midfield trio
• Defensive Weakness: Only one clean sheet in the last ten games
• Notable Strategy: Heavy reliance on attacking transitions and wing play.

Santos FC, under coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, typically set up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to exploit width and pace through the flanks. Álvaro Barreal, their top scorer, is pivotal in their offensive strategy, often leading the line and capitalising on quick transitions.

The midfield trio is expected to be dynamic and versatile, providing the necessary support both in defence and attack. This setup allows Santos FC to maintain possession and control the tempo, although their recent form suggests a struggle to convert possession into goals.

Defensively, Santos FC have shown vulnerabilities, as evidenced by conceding eight goals in their last five matches. Their inability to maintain clean sheets consistently highlights a need for improvement in defensive organisation and resilience, particularly against strong opposition like São Paulo.

São Paulo Analysis & Past Performance

São Paulo’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. They recently secured a 2-0 victory against Santos FC at home, which followed a 2-1 triumph over Flamengo. However, they experienced setbacks with a 3-1 loss to Palmeiras and a 3-2 defeat to Portuguesa.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
São Paulo	Santos FC	2 – 0 (Win)	Paulista A1	31 Jan 2026
São Paulo	Flamengo	2 – 1 (Win)	Série A	29 Jan 2026
Palmeiras	São Paulo	3 – 1 (Loss)	Paulista A1	24 Jan 2026
São Paulo	Portuguesa	2 – 3 (Loss)	Paulista A1	21 Jan 2026
Corinthians	São Paulo	1 – 1 (Draw)	Paulista A1	18 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WWLLD

Offensively, São Paulo have been consistent, scoring in all of their last five games, with an average of 1.60 goals per match. Despite their attacking prowess, defensive vulnerabilities have been apparent, as they have conceded 1.60 goals per game on average and managed only one clean sheet in this period. Their away form has been particularly concerning, with no wins in their last five away fixtures, resulting in four losses and one draw. This away performance highlights a significant area for improvement as they face upcoming challenges.

São Paulo Suspensions & Injuries

São Paulo’s upcoming clash with Santos FC is significantly affected by the absence of several key players due to injuries. The team will be without Ryan Francisco and André Silva, both sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries. Francisco’s absence could impact São Paulo’s defensive strategies, while Silva’s unavailability is a blow to their midfield depth, given his role in orchestrating play. Luan Santos, out with a thigh injury, is expected back by mid-February, which might offer some relief in future fixtures.

With these injuries, Hernán Crespo may need to consider tactical adjustments to compensate for the loss of these players. The likely shift could involve a more conservative approach, relying on the available squad depth to maintain a balanced formation. The absence of these players might force Crespo to explore alternative midfield combinations or defensive alignments to maintain a competitive edge.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ryan Francisco	Cruciate ligament injury	Late March 2026
André Silva	Cruciate ligament injury	Early May 2026
Luan Santos	Thigh injury	Mid February 2026

The impact of these injuries on São Paulo’s performance cannot be understated, especially considering the team’s reliance on a cohesive unit. Bettors may find value in this information as the team might struggle to maintain their usual performance levels, potentially influencing match outcomes and betting odds.

São Paulo Key Players

Leading the charge for São Paulo is their top scorer, Danielzinho, who has netted one goal this season. Operating mainly from midfield, Danielzinho’s ability to drive forward and create scoring opportunities makes him a pivotal figure in São Paulo’s attacking dynamics. His proficiency in linking up play with the forwards will be essential against Santos FC, as he looks to exploit any gaps in the opposition’s defence.

Alongside Danielzinho, Jonathan Calleri and Luciano, the forward duo, will be crucial in São Paulo’s offensive strategy. Calleri’s physical presence and aerial ability, combined with Luciano’s pace and technical skills, present a dual threat that could unsettle the Santos FC backline. In defence, Robert Arboleda’s experience and composure will be vital in anchoring the defence, providing stability and leadership at the back.

Expected lineup for São Paulo:

• Goalkeeper: Rafael
• Defence: Sabino, Robert Arboleda, Alan Franco
• Midfield: Maik, Damián Bobadilla, Danielzinho, Marcos Antônio, Enzo Díaz
• Forward: Jonathan Calleri, Luciano

São Paulo Tactics and Formation

São Paulo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Yet to be confirmed
• Key Forward: Danielzinho
• Midfield Strategy: Dynamic play with a focus on ball retention
• Defensive Record: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and strategic pressing.

São Paulo’s tactical approach under Hernán Crespo usually revolves around maintaining a balanced formation that can shift dynamically based on match circumstances. Although the exact formation for the upcoming match against Santos FC is yet to be confirmed, São Paulo tend to adapt between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-2-1, depending on player availability and opposition tactics.

Offensively, São Paulo leverage the prowess of Danielzinho, their leading scorer, who provides a focal point in attack. His ability to find space and convert chances is crucial, supported by a midfield that focuses on ball retention and creating opportunities through quick exchanges and positional play.

Defensively, São Paulo have struggled to keep clean sheets, with only one in their last five matches. This highlights a vulnerability that Crespo will need to address, potentially by strengthening the defensive line and ensuring better coordination during transitions. Their strategy often involves strategic pressing to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play, aiming to regain possession in advanced areas.

Santos FC vs São Paulo Head-to-Head Record

Santos FC and São Paulo have faced off 50 times, with Santos winning 21 matches, São Paulo 19, and 10 ending in draws. The last encounter saw São Paulo triumph 2-0 in the Paulista A1, but it was not in the Série A, where this upcoming clash will take place.

In their last Série A meeting, Santos FC secured a 1-0 victory at home, showcasing their strength on familiar turf. Historically, Santos have a slight edge when hosting São Paulo, which could be a factor in this match.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Tournament	Date
São Paulo	Santos FC	2 – 0	Paulista A1	31 Jan 2026
Santos FC	São Paulo	1 – 0	Série A	21 Sep 2025
São Paulo	Santos FC	2 – 1	Série A	20 Apr 2025
Santos FC	São Paulo	3 – 1	Paulista A1	2 Feb 2025
São Paulo	Santos FC	0 – 1	Paulista A1	14 Feb 2024