Santos will be aiming to record back-to-back victories in the Brasileiro for the first time this season when they host Botafogo at Vila Belmiro on Monday evening.

The Black-and-White ended a five-game winless run in the top flight with a narrow triumph at Vitoria last weekend, while the visitors had to settle for a point in their most recent league outing.

Match preview

A 20th-minute finish from Guilherme proved the difference in Salvador, as Santos held firm to secure just their second league win of the campaign.

It has been a turbulent return to the top flight for Cleber Xavier's men, who have found consistency hard to come by since bouncing back from their brief spell in the second tier.

Despite the early optimism surrounding the team's comeback – not least with the return of Neymar – that momentum has quickly fizzled out, with the Vila Belmiro outfit currently rooted in the relegation zone with only eight points from 10 matches.

Problems in the final third have heavily contributed to their struggles, with the Peixe having failed to find the net in three straight matches before last weekend's solitary goal.

The Black and White remain among the lowest-scoring sides in the division with just eight goals – the joint second fewest, though they have not been overly exposed defensively.

Santos have conceded 11 times and have not let in more than two goals during the 2025 Brasilero campaign, though that solidity briefly deserted them in midweek, when the Peixe fell to a 3-1 loss against German outfit Leipzig in a friendly.

Xavier's men now turn their attention back to domestic business, aiming to break a recent trend against Botafogo, having drawn both meetings in the previous campaign – including a 2-2 thriller at Vila Belmiro.

Santos' home form has also been a cause for concern, with only one win from four league matches in front of their fans, collecting just five points – the second-fewest tally of any team.

Meanwhile, Botafogo arrive in Sao Paulo buoyed by continental success after edging Universidad de Chile 1-0 on matchday six to book their place in the Copa Libertadores knockout rounds.

The result ensured the Lone Star progressed to the round of 16 for the second consecutive season after winning the competition the previous term, though their domestic defence has yet to truly spark into life.

Renato Paiva's side may be reigning Brasileiro champions, but they currently sit mid-table with 12 points from nine matches, having recorded an even split of wins, draws and defeats.

A goalless stalemate at Flamengo last time out only added to the frustration, particularly with their continued failure to score on the road this season.

Botafogo are yet to find the net in any of their five away matches, though they have conceded only three times during that run, with each of their defeats ending 1-0.

Team News

Having only just returned from injury, Santos head coach Xavier opted against starting Neymar, with the 33-year-old forward featuring for just 26 minutes in the draw against Vitoria, though he could be handed a place in the starting line-up this time around.

The hosts will be without Aderlan and Yeferson Soteldo, among other injured players, while defender Gil may have his special leave extended to miss this one as well.

Luan Peres is suspended due to an accumulation of bookings, paving the way for Ze Ivaldo — who has just served his own ban — to return to the heart of the defence.

As for the visitors, Bastos, David Ricardo and Matheus Martins are all unavailable as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.

Igor Jesus has proven instrumental for Botafogo so far this season, having netted the winner last time out and currently topping the team's scoring chart with three goals to his name, a tally he will be eager to improve in Sao Paulo.

Santos possible starting lineup:

Brazao; Godoy, Basso, Ivaldo, Souza; Rincon, Ze Rafael; Neymar, Rollheiser, Augusto; Soares

Botafogo possible starting lineup:

John; Vitinho, Paula, Barboza, Telles; Gregora, Freitas; Artur, Savarino, Cuiabano; Jesus