Why Santos youngsters could get more chances against Palmeiras | OneFootball

Santos takes the field this Saturday at 9 PM (Brasília time) to face Palmeiras at Vila Belmiro, in a rescheduled match of the 13th round of the Brazilian Championship. Still in the fight against relegation, the Peixe might have a more offensive and renewed lineup against the rival, boosted by the support of the fans and the large number of absences in the Palmeiras squad.

The team led by Vojvoda is under pressure. With 33 points, they are in 17th place and two points behind Vitória, the first team outside the relegation zone. Playing at home and needing a win, the Argentine coach is likely to seek alternatives that bring more intensity and creativity to the offensive sector, a scenario that could benefit youngsters like Robinho Jr. and Bontempo.

The classic match presents an opportunity for Santos to recover and, at the same time, continue the process of renewing the squad. The two youngsters were the main highlights in the 3-2 defeat to Flamengo in the previous round. Even though they only entered in the final minutes, Robinho Jr. was involved in the build-up of both goals, while Bontempo found the net. Their performance caught attention and could earn them the chance to start among the main players against Palmeiras.

Besides the need for victory, the opponent's context also favors this scenario. Palmeiras enters the field with significant absences, with nine confirmed players out. Among them are the called-up Vitor Roque (Brazil), Ramón Sosa and Gustavo Gómez (Paraguay), Flaco López (Argentina), and the Uruguayan trio Piquerez, Facundo Torres, and Emiliano Martínez. Allan continues to serve a suspension imposed by the STJD, while Weverton, Lucas Evangelista, and Paulinho remain injured.

With the rival weakened and Vila Belmiro packed, Vojvoda has the chance to assemble a bolder and more engaging team, especially against a possibly modified opposing defense. The Argentine coach has previously shown confidence in the young Santos squad and might again bet on the energy and speed of the youngsters to try to surprise.

The match against Palmeiras represents, therefore, more than just three points on the table. It is an opportunity for Santos to show a reaction in front of the fans and for the club's young talents to establish themselves as important pieces in the final stretch of the Brasileirão.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.