Mirassol vs Chapecoense – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday, Mirassol hosts Chapecoense at Estadio Jose Maria de Campos Maia for the 15th round of the 2026 Brasileiro season.

The Lions of the Interior currently hold the 18th position with 12 points from 13 matches but enter the clash in good spirits following victories against Corinthians in the league and LDU in the Copa Libertadores last Thursday.

Meanwhile, Chapecoense is at the bottom of the table with a mere eight points, coming into this match after 12 games without a win in the Brasileiro.

The only victory for Chapecoense came on the opening matchday; since then, they have experienced seven losses and five draws. The club continues to be at the bottom of the standings, and manager Fabio Matias is still trying to secure his first win since taking charge.

Match overview

Mirassol’s season has seen two distinct phases. After a slow start with only one victory in the initial ten rounds, Rafael Guanaes’s squad was widely seen as candidates for relegation. However, a recent improvement has lifted the spirits at the club.

In their last three Brasileiro fixtures, the Lions achieved victories over both Corinthians and Internacional, breaking a lengthy winless streak. This resurgence has reinstated competitiveness and rekindled the attributes that characterized their impressive 2025 season—organization, intensity, and confidence at home.

Their commendable run in the Copa Libertadores has also played a role in Mirassol’s development in 2026. In their maiden continental campaign, they sit atop Group G with nine points from four matches. Their recent 2-0 victory against LDU further emphasizes their home strength.

Mirassol boasts an impeccable home record in the Libertadores and, including their triumph over Corinthians in the last Brasileiro round, have secured four wins in five recent home encounters.

The primary challenge for Rafael Guanaes is managing player exhaustion. Mirassol has been alternating matches between the Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil, and Copa Libertadores in recent weeks, leaving limited recovery time. Calibrating the demanding schedule is crucial, but the pressing need to accumulate points ahead of the World Cup break and move out of the relegation zone is a top priority.

In contrast, Chapecoense is grappling with their most challenging period of the season. This crisis has persisted for nearly three months, and head coach Fabio Matias—who started in April—is still in search of his first win in the Brasileiro. The manager has taken over a squad with notable structural deficiencies on both sides of the pitch.

The statistics reveal a grim reality: Chapecoense shares the title for the worst defense in the Brasileiro with Botafogo, having conceded 26 goals over 13 rounds, while netting only 12—ranking as the second-worst attack in the division. Allowing nearly two goals per match complicates any consistent effort to escape the relegation zone.

Defensive weaknesses remain a significant issue: out of the 26 goals conceded, 17 occurred in the latter half of matches. On multiple occasions, Chape has found themselves level or leading at half-time, only to crumble after the break and end up losing.

This was evident in their last match against RB Bragantino: Chapecoense was ahead 1-0 at half-time but could not maintain their lead, ultimately losing 2-1. The team struggles to cope when opponents increase their attacking intensity.

Moreover, their away form is a pressing worry. Chapecoense has yet to secure a win on the road in Serie A this season, recording three draws and four losses from seven away attempts. They now face a Mirassol team that is fortifying their home advantage with solid performances in both the Brasileiro and Libertadores.

The standings add to the urgency for both teams. Mirassol has the opportunity to reach 15 points and level up with their rivals in terms of games played, keeping alive a realistic chance of escaping the relegation zone this round.

For Chapecoense, the situation is more dire. They currently trail Santos—who is just outside the bottom four—by seven points, and desperately require a victory to prevent falling further behind their competitors for survival. At this stage, draws offer little benefit to the Catarinense club.

Team News

Entering Sunday’s match, Mirassol is facing notable absences, particularly in their attacking unit. Negueba, the team’s leading performer in the Brasileiro to date, has sustained a knee ligament injury and is not anticipated to return in 2026. Igor Carius and Yuri Lara are also unavailable due to fitness concerns.

In terms of defense, Lucas Oliveira appears to be a doubt after reporting knee discomfort prior to the LDU encounter. On a positive note, Rafael Guanaes will have Joao Victor back, who was serving a suspension in the Libertadores, and he is expected to partner with Willian Machado at center-back. Reinaldo also makes his return after missing the last match for personal reasons.

Shaylon will also be available after completing his suspension against Corinthians. The midfielder will be contending with Carlos Eduardo for the creative spot on the right side—a choice that could influence Mirassol’s attacking setup on Sunday.

Chapecoense’s defensive absences are a significant issue: center-backs Rafael Thyere (thigh injury) and Bruno Leonardo (suspension) will not be available.

Eduardo Doma, however, returns from suspension and can bolster the defense. Mauricio Garcez remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while Robert and Bruno Matias continue their recovery.

Mirassol probable starting XI:

Walter; Igor Formiga, Victor, Machado, Reinaldo; Aldo, Denilson; Alesson, Shaylon, Eduardo; Louis

Chapecoense probable starting XI:

Anderson; Caetano, Paulo, Doma; Everton, Camilo, Vitor, Pacheco; Marcinho, Bolasie, Enio

Mirassol is enjoying a superb run at the Maiao, exhibiting a strong recent home record. On the flip side, Chapecoense arrives without a victory in 12 Brasileiro matches, grappling with the league’s worst defense and no wins while playing away.

Even considering the likely fatigue from midweek Libertadores commitments, the Lions of the Interior display greater organization and confidence, and are anticipated to affirm their position as favorites.