Prediction: Coritiba vs Santos

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to extend their stay at the top of the Serie A table, Santos will travel to the Couto Pereira when they meet Coritiba in the early hours of Tuesday.

Coritiba

Starting with the hosts, although Coritiba might have had their sights firmly set on securing an immediate Serie A return this season, the Coxa have struggled to find any real stability. Making an immediate return to losing ways last week as they slumped to a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Mirassol, Jorginho’s men are seeking a major miracle if they are to somehow mount a dramatic late top-four charge. However, despite showing some extended defensive issues over the past six weeks, the Parana-based outfit will be excited to make a return to home soil here. Last seen at the Couto Pereira collecting a 2-1 victory against CRB, Coritiba have registered 10 points from their previous four Serie B showdowns in front of their own supporters. Likewise, it should also be noted, Tuesday’s hosts are unbeaten in all of their last eight straight appearances in Parana – a purple patch that stems all the way back to July 20th.

Team News

Shown a first-half red card away at Mirassol last week, former Gremio youngster Vini Paulista will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, both still dealing with respective injury issues, Jorginho’s camp will once again be without the duo of Eberth and Everton Morelli in midweek.

However, despite suffering a minor knock last week, Coritiba remain hopeful that one-time Porto defender Mauricio Antonio will be able to feature. Recording a pair of Serie B goals in his previous four appearances, Midtjylland loanee Junior Brumado will lead Jorginho’s charge.

Santos

As for the visitors, continuing on what has been a stellar Serie B romp this season, Santos know that they can officially wrap up their top-flight return here. Putting in another dominant display last time out as they opened November with a routine 3-0 victory against Vila Nova, Fabio Carille’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Holding a two-point buffer over the chasing pack, Tuesday’s guests will be looking to make another statement here. Signing off October with an eye-catching 2-0 win away at Ituano and winning each of their previous three consecutive Serie B appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0, Santos are riding a major wave of momentum. In fact, along with collecting 12 points from their previous five Serie B appearances, Carille’s side have lost just a pair of their previous 14 consecutive outings. Likewise, landing a 4-0 romp when they last met Coritiba back on July 23rd, the one-time Corinthians boss will be demanding a rapt display.

Team News

Dealing with what has become a stacked treatment room, Santos will once again be without the likes of Rodrigo Falcao, Aderlan and Brazilian shot-stopper Joao Paulo here. Settling for a spot on the bench against Vila Nova last time out, Venezuela international Romulo Otero could be handed a full recall.

Now finding the net in three of his previous four Serie B appearances, ex-Gremio star Guilherme will lead Santos’ charge in the final third. Former Fenerbahce ace Giuliano will once again partner Diego Pituca in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Coritiba and Santos last met back on July 23rd, the Peixe collected a thumping 4-0 victory on home soil.
• Santos have won each of their previous three straight Serie B appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0.
• Likewise, the Serie B leaders have lost just a pair of their last 14 appearances.
• Despite their extended inconsistencies, Coritiba are unbeaten in all of their previous eight straight showdowns on home soil.
• Four of the last five meetings between Coritiba and Santos have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

With Santos knowing that they can officially clinch an immediate Serie B return this season, Tuesday’s guests will be looking to lay down another marker here. Storming their way to a sensational 4-0 romp when they welcomed Coritiba to the Vila Belmiro back on July 23rd, Carille will be desperately calling on a repeat performance in the early hours of Tuesday. Although the Coxa might have continued to shine with their performances on home soil, the Parana-based outfit will be more than aware that they face a stern examination in midweek.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Olympusbet