Santos vs Fluminense Prediction: Santos is on the right track but can't stop now

A goal from Messias in the 89th minute gave Santos a draw against Botafogo. Once again, the Cariocas conceded a goal near the end due to their emotional fragility but also due to the efforts of the Fish players, who believed until the end that they could score. Santos hasn't lost in seven games, and not even title contenders like Flamengo and Botafogo managed to beat Marcelo Fernandes's team.

Santos has not lost since the crushing 7-1 defeat against Internacional. The team is on the right track but must continue to pick up points because, despite 14th place, the gap to the relegation zone is still very small, just two points. Santos' opponent in the upcoming match has value, as it is the current holder of the Copa Libertadores trophy. Still, away from home in the Brasileirão, Fluminense has never shown the same attitude as it does at the Maracanã. With the support of its fans, the Fish can win, although, in recent games, its attacking sector has fallen off the pace.

The Tricolor Carioca is in 7th place and plays without a clear target. The team is out of the title race and has already qualified for the next Copa Libertadores, having won this year's edition. In other words, the standings won't be too significant for the team except for its reputation. In the last round, Fluminense beat São Paulo at home 1-0, with a goal from Germán Cano (who else?), in a match where the Paulistas saw Gabriel Neves sent off in the 29th minute. The Cariocas haven't won on the road since Round 5 and have the third-worst away record of any team in the Série A. Winning at the Vila Belmiro won't be easy.

This is a life-or-death match for Santos, so the players must fight all the way for victory. On the other hand, Fluminense will play more relaxed, which has advantages and disadvantages too. Santos hasn't lost in seven games, so confidence is high. I'm going for a Double Chance for the home team with a maximum of three goals scored in the tie. It would be a surprise for the Cariocas to win at the Vila Belmiro as they haven't won on the road since May.