América-MG vs Santos Prediction: The Rabbit and the Fish fight for survival

Two teams in difficult situations will meet in this upcoming Brasileirão match. América is in 20th and last place, while Santos occupies 17th, also in a relegation position. Both clubs have recently changed coaches in an attempt to turn things around. This match between the Rabbit and the Fish will be a battle for survival.

América-MG

América was knocked out of the Copa Sudamericana this week by Fortaleza and will now focus exclusively on the Brasileirão. Against São Paulo, the Miners picked up three points at home after ten games without a win. The saving goal came in the last minute of the match through Varanda, when the two teams were tied 1-1 and playing with ten players. The result can give the team confidence even though it has lost its top scorer, Mastriani, who is suspended for the match against Santos. The Coelho has just 13 points but has a game in hand with Vasco da Gama at home due to take place on September 19. Vasco is another team in the relegation zone, so both that match with the Cariocas and this one with Santos are crucial for América. The Fish is the first team in the Z4 and has eight points more than the Miners, so a draw isn't enough for the home side.

Expected opening lineup for América-MG

Cavichioli; Ricardo Silva, Iago Maidana, Júlio; Rodriguinho, Breno, Méndez, Martinéz, Danilo Avelar; Felipe Azevedo, Varanda.

Santos

The team has been in an uncomfortable 17th place for a few rounds now, although with the same points as Bahia, who is one place above and out of the Z4. This fixture will be Santos' second in a row in Belo Horizonte, following the 2-0 defeat against Atlético-MG. The team needs an away win, an outcome that only happened in Round 6. The players need to show more attitude away from the Vila Belmiro, and if they can do it, salvation will be closer. This match against América could be the key match of the season and must be considered a final by the Santos players.

Expected opening lineup for Santos

João Paulo; Joaquim, Basso, Alex, Dodô; Rodrigo Fernandéz, Rincón, Lucas Lima; Jean Lucas, Mendoza, Marcos Leonardo.

Expert Betting Tips

Anything can happen in this game, as it's virtually a final for both clubs, perhaps more decisive for the home team. Mastriani's unavailability for América could weigh a little on the match outcome, in my opinion. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Santos, who can take advantage of some of the Mineiros' fatigue and their heavy pressure to win.