Corinthians vs Vasco – News and Probable Lineups

Corinthians will clash with Vasco this Sunday at the Neo Quimica Arena in a 13th-round Campeonato Brasileirao match, showcasing two of Brazil’s most prestigious clubs, both coming into the game from differing positions in the league table.

Corinthians are eager for a response to escape the relegation zone, while Vasco looks to capitalize on its recent form and elevate their standing, especially since this fixture marks their first encounter since the Copa do Brasil final held in 2025 just a few months back.

Match overview

Corinthians are going through a tough phase, as reflected in their current placement in the Brasileirao where they sit 17th in the relegation zone, accumulating just 12 points from 12 matches with a record of two wins, six draws, and four defeats that underscores the inconsistency characterizing their early season.

In their latest outing, Corinthians achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over Barra in the Copa do Brasil, a result that gives them a slight edge; however, considering the close scoreline against technically weaker opponents, the second leg remains open despite being played at home.

Before this win, they managed a 0-0 draw against Vitoria in the Brasileirao and claimed a 2-0 win over Santa Fe in the Copa Libertadores. While their overall performance has been lackluster, Corinthians hold a notable head-to-head advantage over Vasco in their recent matchups.

In their last 15 encounters, Corinthians have triumphed 11 times, resulted in three draws and suffered just one defeat, with their most recent victory being a 2-1 win over Vasco in the Copa do Brasil final in December 2025, thus securing the fourth title in the club’s history after the first leg ended in a draw.

Despite their challenging league standing, the São Paulo club is anticipated to be the favorites going into this match, having won four of the last five clashes against Vasco and three out of their last four home meetings with the Sunday opponents.

On the other hand, Vasco enjoys a more favorable position in the league, currently ranking 10th with 16 points from 12 rounds, situated in a mid-table berth that still carries an element of unpredictability, with their record balanced at four wins, four draws, and four defeats.

They share the same points with Botafogo, who also have 16 but hold an extra game in hand; however, Vasco approaches this match with positive momentum after winning their last two fixtures.

The first of those wins was a 2-0 triumph in the Copa do Brasil against Paysandu, with both goals netted by Claudio Spinelli, and before that, they mounted a comeback to defeat Sao Paulo 2-1 thanks to a penalty by Puma Rodriguez and a late goal from Andres Gomez.

Earlier results included a 1-1 draw with Remo and a goalless stalemate with Barracas Central in their Copa Sudamericana debut, signaling a growing confidence in their recent performances; however, their head-to-head records against Corinthians remain unfavorable.

Team News

Corinthians are still without several crucial players, with goalkeeper Hugo Souza recovering from a muscle injury and thus not available for selection.

Forward Memphis Depay is also sidelined due to a thigh issue, while Kayke has been diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament injury that could rule him out for the remainder of the season. Other players missing include Gui Negao, Charles, Joao Pedro Tchoca, and Hugo.

In contrast, Vasco’s manager Renato Gaucho is fortunate as there are no new injury concerns, which is contributing to their recent upturn in form, with the near-complete squad available.

Nonetheless, midfielder Jair continues to be unavailable due to an ACL injury and is expected to return in June, while Mateus Carvalho, suffering from a more severe version of the same issue, is unlikely to make a comeback until September.

Corinthians probable starting XI:

Kaue; Milans, Paulista, Henrique, Bidu; Raniele, Bidon, Andre, Garro; Lingard, Alberto

Vasco da Gama probable starting XI:

Garden; Henrique, Saldivia, Renan, Cuiabano; Barros, Mendes, Tche Tche; Rojas, Gomez, David

Corinthians are expected to have the upper hand in what should be a low-scoring encounter, as they have managed fewer than 2.5 goals in 17 of their last 18 matches, while Vasco has struggled offensively, failing to score more than twice in five of their last six away games.

With the advantage of home support, Corinthians should be able to take control of the match once they gain the lead.