Palmeiras vs Santos FC Preview and Prediction
Palmeiras will face Santos FC at Allianz Parque in Round 32 of the Brasileirão. This marks their first encounter this season, following the postponement of their initial June clash.
Team Form and Standings
Santos FC currently sits sixteenth with thirty-three points from thirty matches. After spending over six weeks in the relegation zone, they have managed to escape danger. The team's situation improved after the dismissal of former manager Cleber Xavier, who was in charge for fifteen games, recording five wins, four draws, and six losses, including a heavy 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama.
Recent Performance Under New Management
Juan Pablo took over the squad at a challenging time and has elevated the team's performance from widespread criticism to respectable form by season's end. Notably, Santos FC secured a 3-1 victory against their derby rivals Corinthians Paulista in the return leg, overturning a 1-0 loss from May.
- Santos narrowly lost to Vitoria but showed resilience.
- A 2-2 draw against Botafogo indicated a hard-fought battle.
- The team earned a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Fortaleza, coming from behind in the 74th minute.
"Juan Pablo picked the team from a desperate situation and has pulled the team through media mockery to simple decency."
Match Outlook
The encounter promises to test Palmeiras against a revived Santos FC side aiming to consolidate their position and avoid relegation. Santos has demonstrated the ability to fight back, making the match unpredictable despite Palmeiras’ home advantage.
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