Santos and Mirassol meet this Sunday at 18h30 (Brasília time) at Vila Belmiro in a match valid for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship. The game will be broadcast by Premiere, with real-time coverage on ge.
Santos arrives buoyed by a three-game unbeaten streak, including a crucial victory over Vasco in the Brasileirão and qualification for the Copa Sul-Americana quarter-finals. This clash against Mirassol is seen as decisive for the club to distance itself from the relegation zone and climb toward the upper half of the table.
Mirassol, on the other hand, has gone six matches without a win. Last Thursday, the team drew 0-0 with LDU in Quito and was eliminated on penalties in the round of 16 of the Libertadores. Coach Rafael Guanaes fielded a reserve lineup, prioritizing the fight for survival in the Brasileirão.
Santos coach Cuca will have key players back after resting them during the midweek Copa Sul-Americana fixture. Neymar and Gabigol, who have combined for 14 of Santos‘ 32 goals in the league, are set to start. Igor Vinícius and Barreal also return to the eleven. Gabriel Bontempo, recovered from a right thigh injury, is available on the bench.
The confirmed Santos lineup: Gabriel Brazão; Igor Vinícius, Willian Arão, Luan Peres and Escobar; João Schmidt, Gustavo Henrique and Neymar; Barreal, Rony and Gabigol. Mirassol, meanwhile, will reassemble its strongest side, with Reinaldo and Eduardo returning after being rested. Coach Guanaes is expected to keep the three-center-back formation.
Mirassol’s likely lineup: Walter; Gabriel Knesowitsch, João Victor and Willian Machado; Igor Formiga, Cazonatti, Neto Moura, Eduardo and Reinaldo; Alesson and Bruno Santos. The match promises tension and movement, with Santos relying on individual talent to break down an organized Mirassol defense.
