Santos need a win against Vasco da Gama if they are to beat Atletico Paranaense to the Brazilian football championship title on Sunday.
Traditional clubs Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro are in danger of being relegated with former South American champions Gremio as a season that has produced more than 40 coaching victims reaches a climax.
Santos, whose coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo led Cruzeiro to the title last year, are a point ahead of Paranaense but host Vasco da Gama in Sao Jose do Rio Preto after being given their third home ban of the championship last month.
Pele's former club were ordered to play at least 150 km from their Vila Belmiro stadium because of missile-throwing by their fans.
Paranaense, who lost the lead last week when they were beaten 1-0 by Vasco, host relegation-threatened Botafogo.
The win against Paranaense guaranteed Vasco's first division survival and the Rio de Janeiro team now have nothing to play for.
At the other end of the 24-team table, Gremio and Guarani have already been relegated, leaving Flamengo (51 points), Botafogo (50), Atletico Mineiro (50), Criciuma (49) and Vitoria (48) fighting to avoid the other two relegation slots
Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro have home games against Cruzeiro and Sao Caetano respectively.
Criciuma are at home to Coritiba and Vitoria host Ponte Preta.
With by far the toughest fixture, Botafogo are in serious danger of being sent back down by the man who led them to promotion last year.
Paranaense coach Levir Culpi, who quit Botafogo after two matches of the current championship, said it was an uncomfortable situation to be in.
"I've played there and worked there as a coach and, of course, I would like to see them in the first division," he said.
"It's an uncomfortable situation but its part of our work."
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