Preview: Chapecoense vs Santos Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Brasileiro Serie A 2026

Both teams will look to start the season with a win

The 2026 iteration of the Brasileiro Serie A will kick off on January 29th, and fans will witness a clash between Chapecoense and Santos FC on the opening matchday. The home side were promoted from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B as they finished third with 62 points, just behind Coritiba and Paranaense last season. Their objective from this campaign will be to retain their spot in the first division, and a win on the opening matchday will be a step in the right direction.

Santos FC, on the other hand, faced many ups and downs last season. They were fighting relegation for the majority of the campaign, but an excellent stretch of results at the tail-end saw them finish in 12th place with 47 points. Their star man, Neymar Jr., played a crucial role in Santos avoiding relegation despite not being fully fit. Fans will be expecting some improvement from their team as they possess a plethora of talent among their ranks.

Kick-off:

Location: Chapecó, Brazil

Stadium: Arena Condá

Date & Kick-off Time: Jan 29 – 04:30 am IST; Jan 28 – 11:00 pm GMT/06:00 pm ET/03:00 pm PT

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Chapecoense (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-L

Santos (in all competitions): D-D-D-L-W

Players to watch out for:

Marcinho (Chapecoense)

The Brazilian midfielder will be one of the most important players for Chapecoense this season. He is very effective with his decision-making in the final third. His ability to release the ball at the perfect time is great. Marcinho also has an eye for a goal as he makes some late runs into the opposition box.

Álvaro Barreal (Santos FC)

Álvaro Barreal was one of Santos’s top performers last season. He was the top goalscorer for his team with nine goals in the league. He primarily operates in the midfield but can push forward when needed. The Argentine will be coming into this game high on confidence. Fans will be expecting a good performance from him yet again.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 3-2 win for Chapecoense.
• Chapecoense won 6-0 against Joinville in their last game.
• Santos FC played a 0-0 draw against RB Bragantino in their last game.

Chapecoense vs Santos: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Santos to win – 1.55 by Dafabet
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.79 by 1XBET
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.62 by Stake

Injury and Team news:

Bruno Pacheco will be the only absentee for the home side.

Santos, on the other hand, will have their superstar, Neymar, unavailable due to injury.

Head to Head:

Total Matches: 16

Chapecoense won: 4

Santos won: 10

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineups:

Chapecoense (3-5-2)

Vieira(GK); Paulo, Doma, Caetano; Clar, Italo, Camilo, Carvalheira, Vinicius; Augusto, Marcinho

Santos FC (4-4-2)

Brazao(GK); Escobar, Peres, Frias, Mayke; Miguelito, Barreal, Arao, Menino; Diaz, Barbosa

Match Predictions:

Santos FC are expected to register a win over Chapecoense in their upcoming game.

Prediction: Chapecoense 1-2 Santos FC

Telecast Details:

India: TBD

USA: CSN

UK: DAZN

Nigeria: SuperSport

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