Santos vs RB Bragantino Prediction: Expect a very intense game at the Vila Belmiro

The Fish hosts the Bull in this big match of Round 27. Two of the best in-form teams in the Brasileirão meet each other. Santos is fighting bravely to avoid relegation to the Série B and is on a three-game winning streak, the latest coming against rival Palmeiras. RB Bragantino, who is second in the table and the only team in Brasileirao that has not lost in the last five rounds, will be on the other side. It's one of those matches where there are no favorites.

The team's improvement after Marcelo Fernandes took over at Santos has been noticeable. The initial idea of the club's Board was for Fernandes to ensure the transition period until a new coach was hired. The results showed it would be a mistake, and Marcelo Fernandes became the official coach of the Fish after the 4-1 win against Vasco da Gama. Despite two wins in a row in Marcelo Fernandes' first two games in charge, no one would have expected another victory at the Allianz Parque against Palmeiras. Still, the truth is that after being down, Santos managed to turn things around. The Santistas are out of the relegation zone and breathing confidence, but they now face a very strong Red Bull Bragantino side.

The Massa Bruta lost two points on leader Botafogo after drawing one goal away against Athletico-PR. The Bragança Paulista side is now nine points behind the Cariocas but has retained second place. It wasn't the best display we've seen from Pedro Caixinha's team, but a point was earned on a difficult pitch. The match with Santos is expected to be very intense, as the home team is very motivated and will have great support from the stands. It won't be easy for Bragantino to take the three points.

It will be a match between a very confident team, Santos, and another side that plays without pressure, RB Bragantino. Despite the 16-point gap, the game is expected to be competitive and balanced. The home crowd could make the difference in a stadium that historically doesn't bring back good memories for Bragantino. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Santos, combined with a Total Goals Under 4.5.