Atletico PR and Santos in relegation battle
Atletico PR host Santos in a relegation battle in the Brazilian Serie A. Atletico have won just once this term; however, the side has been able to obtain six points while posting a –1-goal difference. Fernando Diniz's team has struggled at both ends of the pitch, giving up eight goals while scoring just seven.
Santos aren't in much better shape on the pitch heading into the team's midweek fixture. Santos are one place ahead of Atletico in the Brasilian Serie A table thanks to a better goal difference. Jair Ventura's team is also in the relegation zone and struggling to put points together. Santos have lost back-to-back matches and the club is in financial crisis, which has helped lead to its current situation. The club's top players are being linked with moves away from the club this summer to bring in needed funds. Somehow amid the problems, Ventura has to get points and Santos out of the relegation zone.
Ventura's team was booed off the pitch in last weekend's loss. Santos now take to the road to meet Atletico having the worst away record in Brasilian Serie A. The team has scored just one goal on the road while giving up seven. It is a terrible record, but part of the problem continues to be the financial issues. Ventura has complained the club cannot even afford to have a complete substitute's bench due to a lack of money.
Atletico have had fantastic recent results against Santos at home. The club is undefeated in eight of its last nine home matches against Santos. Adding to Santos' mammoth task is the fact the team hasn't won on the road yet this year, losing three times.
Pablo goes into the fixture as Atletico's leading goal scorer. The forward has tallied three goals in seven matches. The left winger is averaging a goal every 202 minutes on the pitch. Including cup competitions, he has scored four in nine for Atletico, and has been their biggest threat in front of goal. All three of his league goals have come at home this term.
Santos' 17-year-old forward Rodrygo has scored two goals in six matches. Barcelona is tracking the player, and he could land in Spain to alleviate Santos' current financial issues. Rodrygo hasn't scored in Santos' last two matches. If Ventura's team is to get a much needed three points, the teen will have to perform well.
Based on Santos' current problems off the pitch and away form on it, Atletico should be able to get points when the two sides meet in midweek.
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