Vitoria play host to Santos on Sunday night with both teams struggling at the bottom end of the Brasileiro table.
At a time when the home side sit in 16th place in the standings, the visitors are down in 19th spot with just one victory to their name.
Match preview
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Having earned a return to Brasileiro, Santos would have had high hopes of re-establishing themselves among the nation’s elite, yet it has become apparent that will not be the case anytime soon.
Even with the return of Neymar, they sit in 19th place in the standings having accumulated just five points across a nine-game period.
The 2-0 win over Athletic Mineiro on April 17 appears to be a long time ago with only two goals being netted in the following five matches.
Cleber Xavier‘s side have also failed to score in their last three league games, although it should be noted that they are yet to concede more than twice in a single league game during 2025.
However, earlier this week, they were eliminated from the Copa do Brasil, losing on penalties to second-tier side CRB on penalties after a goalless draw.
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As for Vitoria, nine points have been accumulated from as many league fixtures in 2025, leaving them just above the relegation zone.
Thiago Carpini will be disappointed with the efforts of his team, even though they, too, are yet to concede more than twice in their league games.
On a more positive note, the Red and Black have lost just two of their most recent seven fixtures, while their two victories have been against teams in Vasco da Gama and Fortaleza that sit above them in the standings.
Seven points have been collected from their four games at Barrado, something that will give them confidence ahead of what is already an important match even at this early stage of the campaign.
Team News
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Xavier will be forced to make at least one change with Gonzalo Escobar serving a one-match ban for his red card at Corinthians.
That could see the versatile Alvaro Barreal switch to left-back and Neymar potentially risked from the start on the wing after his recent return from injury.
Either Tiquinho Soares or Chelsea loanee Deivid Washington will start down the middle of the attack.
Meanwhile, Pepe will be missing for Vitoria due to his red card at Bahia, although he started that game on the substitutes’ bench.
Gabriel Baralhas was also withdrawn early on in that game and is an obvious injury concern. Erick was introduced on that occasion, although it remains to be seen whether that will be the case on Sunday.
Vitoria possible starting lineup:
Arcanjo; Claudinho, Edu, Halter, Jamerson; Ryller, Ronald; Erick, Rato, Osvaldo; Kayzer
Santos possible starting lineup:
Brazao; Godoy, Ivaldo, Peres, Barreal; Rincon, Rafael; Neymar, Rollheiser, Soteldo; Soares
We say: Vitoria 1-0 Santos
Although Santos have been relatively strong in defence this season, it has been a different story in the final third. With that in mind, we are backing the home side to come through by a narrow margin, earning a result that may prove pivotal come the end of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
