Preview: Sport Recife vs. Santos - prediction, team news, lineups

Both Sport Recife and Santos will be attempting to get back to winning ways on Monday when they collide in the Brasileiro after each of them lost their most recent outings.

The fixture is a true six-pointer as they are fighting for survival, with just two points between them in the league table as they each try to avoid relegation.

Match preview

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Sport Recife currently find themselves in the relegation zone, despite recently having created a winning run of three games which was ended on Thursday.

Their recent impressive form has given the team a lifeline, though, and something to cling onto as the season approaches its climax, with just two points separating them and safety.

Of course, it is Santos who sit in that position, which is what makes this a must-win game for both teams, as the hosts cannot afford to let the visitors run away from them.

Meanwhile, a victory for Sport Recife would see them move ahead as they could escape the relegation zone, but an improved performance will be needed from Gustavo Florentin's men.

They travelled to face Cuiaba in midweek, but they were defeated 1-0 despite their best efforts, as a penalty from Elton Brandao proved to be enough.

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It was a missed opportunity for the club to climb out of the bottom four as Santos also lost, with Atletico Mineiro picking up a 3-1 win on Wednesday.

The defeat was a frustrating one for Fabio Carille because his team actually took the lead early in the second half courtesy of Raniel, but they were unable to hang onto that.

Defensively, Santos have struggled this season, with only two teams in the entire league that have conceded more goals than them, which is one of the reasons they find themselves struggling.

These clubs last met back in July where they played out a goalless draw which is a result that would really benefit neither this time around, as it would simply provide further opportunities to those around them.

A victory could be huge for Santos at this stage in the season, having the potential to take them to 14th, but level on points with 11th, which showcases just how tight things are in the bottom half of the table.

Team News

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Sport Recife completely changed formation for the recent game against Cuiaba, opting to go for a 4-2-3-1, which is not how they have lined up previously.

This switch saw both Hernanes and Everaldo start the match, but considering the fact, neither of them played the full 90 minutes, it could be an indication that Florentin will return to what has previously worked for them.

Santos were still without several players for their midweek defeat with Kaiky Melo, Luiz Felipe and Robson not featuring, which will likely be the case again on Monday.

However, Carille might look to start Raniel this time around due to the impact he made from the bench in that game, as he came on and scored.

Sport Recife possible starting lineup:
Maylson; Da Silva, Chico, Sabino, Sander; Marcao, Welison, Gustavo, Hernanes, Felipe; Sousa

Santos possible starting lineup:
Paulo; Balieiro, Velazquez, Leondardo; Braga, Zanocelo, Camacho, Guilherme; Raniel, Marinho

We say: Sport Recife 2-1 Santos

Despite their recent loss, Sport Recife have been in stronger form as of late and they have been proving themselves in front of goal, which is something that will cause problems for the visitors.

There is a lot on the line with this fixture, which will no doubt bring the best out of both teams, but the hosts should be able to use their recent momentum to potentially take themselves out of the relegation zone.