Chapecoense vs. Bragantino – News and Probable Lineups

Chapecoense is set to host Bragantino at Arena Conda on Sunday evening in round 14 of the Brasileirao, with both teams heading into this match with contrasting objectives as the season progresses.

The home side sits at the bottom of the table, urgently seeking a way out of the relegation zone, while the away team remains in the top half and is looking to reduce the gap to the top four.

Match overview

Chapecoense enters this match in a troubling position, currently at last place with only eight points from 12 games, putting them in a challenging situation to escape the relegation battle in the upcoming weeks.

Inconsistency and defensive weaknesses have characterized their campaign, as they have only managed one victory to date—a 4-2 win over Santos—while facing several heavy losses that have undermined any potential momentum.

Most recently, Chapecoense fell to a 2-1 defeat against Fluminense, and prior losses to Botafogo (4-1), Athletico PR (2-0), and Atletico Mineiro (4-0) marred their form, with only a 1-1 draw against Vitoria providing a slight pause in their struggles.

Despite this, there are faint glimpses of attacking capability, as the team has managed to find the net in several of these games. However, their continued inability to maintain defensive control is hampering their efforts.

With the gap to safety still within reach, a victory in this fixture could be pivotal; even if it doesn’t immediately lift them from the relegation zone, it would bring them closer to the teams above and inject crucial confidence into a faltering squad.

In contrast, Bragantino arrives in a relatively stable state, currently positioned ninth in the table with 17 points from 13 games, though their recent performances suggest they are not entirely at ease.

Bragantino has been winless in their last three outings across all competitions, which includes a 1-0 loss to River Plate in the Copa Sudamericana, a defeat by the same score against Palmeiras, and a 1-1 draw with Mirassol in the Copa do Brasil.

This has slightly hindered their ascent up the table, though their overall record—five wins, two draws, and six losses—keeps them within arm’s reach of the top four.

Their last victory came in commanding fashion with a 4-2 win over Remo, showcasing their attacking prowess when in sync; nonetheless, consistency remains a concern, particularly against teams that adopt a defensive stance and compel them to take charge of the play.

Fortunately for the away side, recent encounters tip in their favor, with Bragantino securing two wins and a draw from the last four meetings, despite Chapecoense previously having a 2-1 victory in their last Serie A clash in 2021.

Being aware of the competing teams around them, Bragantino understands that failing to secure points in this match could impede their quest for the top half, even if a win doesn’t drastically enhance their position.

Team News

Chapecoense will be without Eduardo Doma due to a suspension following a red card in the previous game, and Italo Vargas is sidelined with a thigh injury.

Giovanni Augusto is also out with a similar injury, while long-term absentees Robert Santos and Bruno Matias are still on their recovery journey from cruciate ligament injuries.

For Bragantino, they will miss Juninho Capixaba due to suspension, and Davi Gomes is out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

Fabrico is also unavailable because of an ankle issue, and Guzman Rodriguez is sidelined with a knee injury.

Chapecoense probable starting XI:

Passion; Caetano, Thyere, Leonardo; Everton, Camilo, Meritão, Carlos, Clar; GARCEZ, Marcinho

Bragantino probable starting XI:

Volpi; Hurtado, Henrique, Alix, Caue; Gabriel, Fernandes; Barbosa, Sasha, Mosquera; Pitta

Chapecoense faces immense pressure and has displayed moments of attacking threat, but their defensive liabilities continue to leave them exposed, particularly against more organized opponents.

While Bragantino might not be at their peak form, their superior ability and tendency to start games strongly could be crucial. Given that the hosts have often conceded first, the visitors appear well positioned to seize control early on and potentially secure the win.