Santos play host to Bragantino on Thursday evening looking for a fourth win in succession to move them further clear of the Brasileiro relegation zone.

At a time when the home side are bidding to remain in the top flight, the visitors sit in second place in the standings, nine points adrift of leaders Botafogo.

Match preview

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Such has been the frequent poor form of Santos that they have already gone through a number of head coaches this season, with the latest to leave being Diego Aguirre.

Marcelo Fernandes has been placed in interim charge in an effort to turn around the club's fortunes and, as it stands, the latest change is the catalyst that Santos have been vying for.

After a run of just two wins from 17 league matches, Alvinegro has remarkably won three in a row, with two of those victories coming against rivals for the drop.

Triumphs over Bahia and Vasco da Gama were recorded by 2-1 and 4-1 scorelines before Santos posted a comeback 2-1 success at fourth-placed Palmeiras last time out.

Fernandes is no stranger to caretaker stints in charge at a club where he has spent much of the past 12 years, yet he will put himself in line for the full-time position if a fourth victory can be posted later this week.

Bragantino are also one of the form teams in the division, compiling a six-match undefeated streak to keep them in contention for a first-ever Brasileiro title.

Botafogo were able to extend their lead through a win over Fluminense when Bragantino were only able to draw 1-1 at Athletico Paranaense.

Nevertheless, Pedro Caixinha can only take positives from 14 points being collected from their most recent six fixtures, as well as losing just four of their 26 league contests this season.

Goals remain an issue for this team, though, with no more than two strikes being scored in a single league match since July 29, and it is something that will be noted by Santos who have scored eight times in their last 270 minutes of football.

Team News

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Having provided the assist for the winner against Palmeiras, Maximiliano Silvera could be handed his first start for Santos in attack, taking the spot of Alfredo Morelos.

Lucas Lima and Rodrigo Fernandez each remain suspended after the red cards that they received against Vasco Da Gama in the previous game.

Dodi and Camacho are both options if Fernandes wants to provide a different look to his midfield.

Caixinha may opt against making any changes to his Bragantino side after they extended their undefeated streak last time out.

If alterations are made, Ignacio Laquintana may be at the front of the queue to replace Helinho on the right flank.

Thiago Borbas could also get the nod over Eduardo Sasha down the centre of the attack.

Santos possible starting lineup:
Paulo; Joaquim, Messias, Basso; Braga, Nonato, Rincon, Lucas, Kevyson; Silvera, Leonardo

Bragantino possible starting lineup:
Cleiton; Aderlan, Realpe, Ortiz, Capixaba; Jadsom, Fernandes; Helinho, Ramires, Vitinho; Borbas

We say: Santos 1-2 Bragantino

As the only team on a three-match winning streak in the division, Santos will be respected ahead of this contest. Nevertheless, we expect the consistency of the visitors to ultimately prevail in a match that may be decided during the closing stages.

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

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