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Santos host Sport Recife at Urbano Caldeira Stadium in Brazil's Serie A on Thursday, with the sides having contrasting seasons so far.
Santos are currently sixth in the league and have been in good form of late. Fernando Diniz's side have only lost once in their last eight games across all competitions. The Peixe have a chance to potentially move up to second in the table with a win over Sport Recife on Thursday.
Sport Recife, on the other hand, have had a poor start to their campaign, having won only one league game so far. Umberto Louzer's side have been in terrible form, with six losses from their last 10 games across all competitions.
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The Leao are currently 15th in the table, only a point above the relegation zone.
This could be a great chance for Santos to move up the table when they take on a poor Sport Recife side on Thursday.
Santos vs Sport Recife Head-to-Head
Santos have dominated the recent head-to-head record between the two sides, having won three of their last five meetings, with Sport Recife winning only one.
Santos beat Sport Recife 4-2 the last time the two sides met back in November 2020. Goals from Marinho, Lucas Braga, Bruniho and Yeferson Soteldo were enough to secure the win for the Peixe. Maquinhos and Leandro Barcia got on the scoresheet for the Leao.
Santos Form Guide: D-L-W-D-W
Sport Recife Form Guide: L-W-L-L-D
Santos vs Sport Recife Team News
Santos
Santos have no new injury worries following their 2-0 win over Atletico Mineiro last time out. However, Marinho will be suspended for the game on Thursday.
Jobson, John Victor, Alison, Rafael Longuine, Raniel and Sandry are all still unavailable due to injury.
Injured: Jobson, John Victor, Alison, Rafael Longuine, Raniel, Sandry
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Marinho
Sport Recife
Maidana and Sander picked up injuries in midweek and are unavailable for Thursday's game.
Meanwhile, Igor and Leandro Barcia are still on the road to recovery, having picked up knee injuries prior to the season.
Injured: Maidana, Sander, Igor, Leandro Barcia
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Santos vs Sport Recife Predicted XI
Santos Predicted XI (4-3-3): Joao Paulo; Jonatan, Luan Peres, Luiz Felipe, Para; Ivonei Junior, Jean Mota, Gabriel Pirani; Marcos Guilherme, Lucas Braga, Kaio Jorge
Sport Recife Predicted XI (4-4-2): Mailson; Junior, Sabino, Rafael Thyere, Hayner; Paulinho, Marcao, Thiago, Thiago Neves; Santiago Viveros, Andre
Santos vs Sport Recife Prediction
It's hard to see Santos losing this game, given the form both teams are in and the clearly superior run for the hosts at the moment.
We predict Santos will win the game comfortably.
Prediction: Santos 2-0 Sport Recife
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