Santos FC SPvsEC Juventude RS

Santos FC SP: A Fortress at Home

Santos FC SP is gearing up to face EC Juventude RS at their home ground, a venue where they have historically dominated this matchup. With 4 wins and 3 draws in their last 7 home encounters against Juventude, Santos has never lost to them at home. This strong home record is a significant psychological advantage, especially as they seek to bounce back from a challenging period marked by their first-ever relegation last year.

Neymar's Absence and Santos' Rebuilding Phase

The recent injury to Neymar, who returned to Santos with much anticipation, is a blow to the team's attacking prowess. His hamstring injury, sustained just 34 minutes into his last match, has left fans concerned about his future contributions. Off the field, Santos has faced challenges, including a 30-day fan ban due to safety issues and the departure of Paulo Roberto Falcão amid allegations. Despite these setbacks, Santos is focusing on nurturing young talents like Angelo Gabriel, recently signed by Chelsea, as they aim to rebuild their squad and reputation.

EC Juventude RS: Struggles on the Road

EC Juventude RS has been inconsistent this season, with a particularly poor away record. They have lost their last 9 away matches in the Brasileiro Serie A, failing to score in 6 of these games. Their recent form shows a losing streak of 3 matches, and they have not managed to score in these outings. Despite some spirited performances, such as their 3-2 victory over Botafogo, their away form remains a significant concern.

Prediction: Santos to Capitalize on Juventude's Away Woes

Given the historical dominance of Santos at home against Juventude and the latter's struggles on the road, the prediction leans heavily towards a home victory for Santos FC SP. With Juventude's recent inability to find the net, it's likely that both teams will not score. Santos' ability to score late in games, with 47% of their goals coming between the 76th and 90th minutes, could be a decisive factor in breaking down Juventude's defense.