Two teams promoted from Serie B last season go head-to-head in the top tier as Mirassol Futebol Clube welcome Santos FC this weekend.

While Leao da Alta Araraquarense are in the midst of a five-match unbeaten run, Alvinegro will be looking to bag their third straight league victory.

Match preview

Mirassol endured a tough start to the year as they struggled through the Campeonato Paulista, losing six of their last seven games in the competition and bowing out in the quarter-finals.

There were concerns as the club embarked on their first ever season in the Serie A, but after 12 games it is fair to say that Mirassol are holding their own.

Rafael Guanaes has overseen a strong start to the season, which has seen the club win 18 points from 12 games and lose just two matches along the way.

Mirassol boast the best defence from clubs outside the top 10, with just 13 goals conceded across all their Serie A outings so far. Furthermore, only two clubs in the league have managed to score more goals than Leao da Alta Araraquarense, with the current top two holding that honour.

While we are in the early stages of the campaign, there has already been a lot of drama at Santos, with the club currently on their third manager this season.

The club lost seven of their first 11 Serie A matches and spent the majority of that time sitting in the relegation zone.

However, business appears to have picked up under newly appointed Cleber Xavier, who has led his men to three wins from four league games – a run of form which has seen the team jump to 13th in the standings.

Their last league victory was arguably the most striking, as Santos took out league leaders Flamengo, beating them 1-0 at Vila Belmiro.

Mirassol Brasileiro form:

L W D W W D

Santos Brasileiro form:

D L W L W W

Santos form (all competitions): 

L L W L W W

Team News

Mirassol head into this weekend’s fixture without any fresh injury worries, and they will be boosted by the return of Neto Moura, who has served his suspension.

New signings Felipe Jonatan, Alesson, and Carlos Eduardo are also likely to give Rafael Guanaes a positive selection headache.

Santos, meanwhile, will be led by Neymar Jr who recently returned from injury and scored a couple of big winners against Clube de Regatas and Flamengo last time out.

Gil remains on the sidelines with a hip injury, while Sergio Santos is a doubt after struggling with a leg problem.

Mirassol possible starting lineup: Muralha; Ramon, Gustavo, Kelven, Jonatan; Moura, Danielzinho, Gabriel; Chico, Fernandinho, Parede

Santos possible starting lineup: Paulo; Chermont, Joaquim, Messias, Kevyson; Schmidt, Rincon; Guilherme, Thaciano, Neymar; Furch

We say: Mirassol 1-1 Santos

Both teams will certainly fancy their chances as Mirassol look to continue their solid run of form and Santos look to keep up their momentum from a surprise win over Flamengo.

With both in good form and both looking to climb the standings, we are backing a draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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