Santos FC vs. Sao Paulo Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 22 September 2025

In the late hours of 22 September 2025, the legendary Estadio Vila Belmiro is set to witness a tantalising clash between Santos FC and Sao Paulo as part of Serie A’s 24th round. Santos, placed 16th, are just above the relegation zone with 23 points, while their visitors Sao Paulo hold 7th position with 35 points.

Recent form suggests a tight encounter. Santos have struggled lately, not winning in their last four matches. Neymar’s return to the team aims to instill much-needed inspiration, though his absence due to injury will be felt. Key suspensions and injuries for Santos, including Ze Ivaldo, pose additional challenges.

In contrast, Sao Paulo, under Hernán Crespo, have shown better form with two wins in their last five games despite a minor slip in the Copa Libertadores.

Expect a closely contested match where Sao Paulo have a slight edge. Our recommended bet is Sao Paulo Draw No Bet for a balanced return on risk.

This game is not just pivotal for league standings but also for both teams’ bid to build confidence in the crucial final stretch of the season.

Santos FC vs Sao Paulo Prediction & Betting tip

Santos FC vs Sao Paulo Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Sao Paulo to win Draw No Bet	3.46

Backing Sao Paulo on a Draw No Bet against Santos FC is a balanced and cautious prediction.

• Sao Paulo demonstrated solid form recently, winning two out of their last five games.
• Santos have key players like Neymar and Ze Ivaldo missing due to injuries and suspensions, weakening their lineup.
• The Draw No Bet option reduces risk as it refunds the stake if the match ends in a draw, while offering the potential for profit if Sao Paulo clinches a win.

Given Santos’ recent struggles and Sao Paulo’s organized gameplay, this bet looks promising.

Santos FC vs Sao Paulo Odds

The odds for this match suggest a closely contested encounter, with Santos FC slightly favoured by the bookmakers due to their home advantage at Estadio Vila Belmiro. However, Sao Paulo’s recent form and their higher position in the Serie A standings indicate that they are not to be underestimated.

Santos FC vs Sao Paulo Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Santos FC to win	2.21
Draw	3.02
Sao Paulo to win	3.46

With Santos dealing with key injuries and suspensions, including that of Neymar and Ze Ivaldo, the odds reflect their precarious position. On the other hand, Sao Paulo’s improved form and structured gameplay provide value for the away win at 3.46. The draw is also a viable outcome, given the competitive nature of these teams.

Note that Sao Paulo Draw No Bet offers a safer option, reducing risk while maintaining potential profit if Sao Paulo succeed.

Santos FC Team Analysis

Santos FC Recent Performance

Santos FC’s recent form has been a mixed bag, as seen in their last five outings (WLLDD).

Their only victory came against Cruzeiro, with the other matches reinforcing their inconsistent form. This patchy performance leaves them precariously close to the relegation zone, placed 16th with 23 points.

Santos have struggled offensively, averaging just 0.60 goals per game in their last five matches. Their defence has also been shaky, managing only one clean sheet in the same period.

Key players are missing due to injuries and suspensions, most notably Neymar and Ze Ivaldo, which further hampers their prospects.

These factors underline their current struggles, highlighting the critical need for a robust performance against a more formidable Sao Paulo side to avoid slipping further down the table.

Santos FC Key Players

Santos FC have a few standout players who could make a significant impact in their upcoming clash against Sao Paulo. Alvaro Barreal, the team’s top scorer with 5 goals this season, remains their most reliable offensive weapon. His ability to find the back of the net is crucial given Santos’ recent goal-scoring struggles.

The midfield trio of Joao Schmidt, Ze Rafael, and Victor Hugo will be vital in controlling the pace of the game and creating opportunities. Joao Schmidt’s vision and passing range could be key in breaking down Sao Paulo’s structured defence.

Defensively, Luan Peres and Adonis Frias need to be at their best to contain Sao Paulo’s forward line, particularly Emiliano Rigoni and Luciano.

Expected lineup for Santos FC:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Mayke, Adonis Frias, Luan Peres, Gonzalo Escobar
• Midfielders: Joao Schmidt, Ze Rafael, Victor Hugo, Benjamin Rollheiser
• Attackers: Guilherme Augusto, Lautaro Diaz

These players need to perform at their peak to help Santos secure a crucial win and stave off further relegation fears.

Santos FC Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC are grappling with several key absences ahead of their matchup against Sao Paulo, which could significantly affect their performance.

Notably, Neymar, who recently returned to the club to rejuvenate their campaign, is sidelined with a thigh injury and won’t be back until early October. His absence leaves a considerable void in their attacking lineup.

Injuries to Willian Arao, out for a week with a calf injury, and Gabriel Bontempo, sidelined with a thigh injury until early October, further strain the squad depth.

Additionally, suspensions to Ze Ivaldo and Igor Vinicius due to yellow card accumulations mean Santos’ defense will be particularly weakened.

These absences collectively pose a substantial challenge to coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s plans, making it more difficult for Santos to secure a vital win.

Santos FC Tactics and Formation

Santos FC, facing recent struggles, are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in their crucial home clash against Sao Paulo.

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Guilherme Augusto
• Midfield Trio: Joao Schmidt, Ze Rafael, Victor Hugo
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Santos have scored most goals in the 76-90 minute interval this season

Given Neymar’s injury, Lautaro Diaz will likely shoulder more of the attacking responsibility on the left flank. Benjamin Rollheiser, as an attacking midfielder, will be essential in creating scoring opportunities.

Defensively, Santos have been unstable, conceding significantly in recent matches. The suspended defenders, Ze Ivaldo and Igor Vinicius, add to the challenge. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda will need to rely on Adonis Frias and Luan Peres to anchor the back line effectively.

To improve their odds, Santos must capitalize on late-game scoring opportunities and tighten their defense to mitigate Sao Paulo’s threats.

Sao Paulo Team Analysis

Sao Paulo Recent Performance

Sao Paulo’s recent form has been quite mixed but generally positive, reflected in their last five matches (WWLWL). This includes two wins over Atletico MG and Botafogo RJ, which have helped solidify their position in the upper half of the table at 7th place with 35 points.

In their last five games, Sao Paulo has averaged 1.60 goals per match, showcasing a more potent attack compared to Santos. On the defensive end, they have kept two clean sheets, demonstrating a relatively solid backline.

However, their recent loss to LDU de Quito in the Copa Libertadores Final Stage points to some inconsistency. Despite these ups and downs, their in-form players and structured gameplay make them formidable opponents.

Keeping up this momentum will be key as they aim to capitalize on Santos’ vulnerabilities and firm up their league standing.

Sao Paulo Key Players

Sao Paulo has several key players who could be instrumental in their match against Santos FC. Andre, the team’s top scorer with 5 goals this season, is expected to lead the attack and pose a significant threat to Santos’ weakened defense.

The midfield quartet of Damián Bobadilla, Pablo Maia, Marcos Antonio, and Enzo Diaz will be crucial in dominating possession and creating chances.

Robert Arboleda and Alan Franco are key to maintaining a robust defensive line, especially in the absence of Luiz Gustavo and Gonzalo Tapia.

Expected lineup for Sao Paulo:

• Goalkeeper: Rafael
• Defenders: Rafael Toloi, Robert Arboleda, Alan Franco
• Midfielders: Cedric Soares, Damián Bobadilla, Pablo Maia, Marcos Antonio, Enzo Diaz
• Attackers: Emiliano Rigoni, Luciano

These players must perform at their peak to exploit Santos’ defensive vulnerabilities and secure a vital away win.

Sao Paulo Suspensions & Injuries

Sao Paulo are dealing with a number of injuries and suspensions that could impact their performance against Santos FC.

Key absences include Jonathan Calleri and Ryan Francisco, both out for the season with cruciate ligament injuries, and André Silva, who is also sidelined for the rest of the campaign for the same reason. Luiz Gustavo and Lucas Moura are expected to return by late September but remain doubtful for this match. Additionally, Oscar is dealing with a back injury and might not feature.

Gonzalo Tapia will miss the game due to suspension for yellow card accumulation, adding to the team’s defensive woes.

These absences necessitate tactical adjustments from coach Hernán Crespo, who will need to rely on his squad depth to maintain competitive edge against a vulnerable Santos side.

Sao Paulo Tactics and Formation

Sao Paulo are expected to line up in a flexible 3-5-2 formation for their clash with Santos FC, which allows them to balance solid defence with attacking prowess.

Sao Paulo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Emiliano Rigoni and Luciano
• Midfield: Cedric Soares, Pablo Maia, Marcos Antonio, Damián Bobadilla, Enzo Diaz
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Sao Paulo focus on maintaining possession and exploiting width for creating scoring opportunities

The midfield, reinforced by Damián Bobadilla and Pablo Maia, will likely play a crucial role in controlling the game’s tempo and shielding the defence. Up front, Emiliano Rigoni and Luciano are expected to lead the attack, aiming to trouble Santos’ weakened backline.

Their structured formation and recent solid performances make them formidable. Coach Hernán Crespo will rely on this tactical set-up to exploit Santos’ defensive vulnerabilities and secure a positive result.

Santos FC vs Sao Paulo Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head record between Santos FC and Sao Paulo in recent meetings offers an intriguing narrative heading into this match. Over the last five encounters:

• 20 April 2025: Sao Paulo 2 – 1 Santos FC, Serie A
• 2 February 2025: Santos FC 3 – 1 Sao Paulo, Paulista A1
• 14 February 2024: Sao Paulo 0 – 1 Santos FC, Paulista A1
• 12 November 2023: Santos FC 0 – 0 Sao Paulo, Serie A
• 16 July 2023: Sao Paulo 4 – 1 Santos FC, Serie A

Both teams have traded victories, with Sao Paulo winning the most recent clash earlier this year. However, Santos have shown they can hold their own, particularly with a solid win in the Paulista A1 earlier this year.

This balanced head-to-head history suggests a competitive matchup, although current form and injuries might tip the scales in favour of Sao Paulo in this forthcoming encounter.

Odds accurate as of 20.09.2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.