Santos vs Ponte Preta Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

They got a good result in midweek when they became the first side to avoid defeat away at leaders Palmeiras. The 1-1 draw moved them up to 4th place and although they are 6 points behind the Sao Paulo club, their recent form suggests they are very capable of forging their way into the title race. They have won 6 of their last 9 league games and the likes of Lucas Lima and young star Gabriel are causing plenty of problems for opposition defences.

Ponte Preta are having a good season too. They are level on points with Santos and have responded brilliantly to a crushing 4-0 home defeat against Cruzeiro last month. They’ve won their last 3 matches against Santa Cruz, Sao Paulo and Sport Recife but this is likely to be a much tougher test of their quality.

Santos are a really tough side to play against on their own ground. They have won their last 4 home matches without conceding and they’ve netted twice or more themselves in all of those games. Going back further their record is even more impressive. Over the past 12 months, they have played 20 home league games and won 18 of them losing just once so Ponte Preta face a massive task here if they are to continue their recent revival.

Ponte Preta may have won twice on the road this season already but they were both against sides currently in the relegation zone. They have the worst defensive record in the top 8 and given Santos have won all of their last 4 home games by 2 goals or more, backing Santos -1 Goal Handicap at 6/4 looks to offer great value here.