Vitoria vs Chapecoense – News and Probable Lineups

Esporte Clube Vitoria is set to host Associacao Chapecoense de Futebol in the Brasileiro Serie A at the Barradao (Estadio Manoel Barradas) in Salvador on Wednesday.

Vitoria is currently in 13th place in the Brasileiro Serie A standings, holding 33 points, which places them four points ahead of Gremio in the first relegation position. In contrast, bottom-placed Chapecoense has amassed only 18 points from 27 matches, trailing Gremio by 11 points while having one game in hand.

Match overview

Vitoria experienced a 3-1 defeat at home against Cruzeiro on September 20, where they initially took the lead with Rene’s goal before the halftime break, only for Keny Arroyo to equalize shortly after the restart, followed by goals from Lucas Villalba and Matheus Pereira to complete the comeback.

A week prior to this, they led 2-0 against Mirassol thanks to two slots from Rene within the first 12 minutes but conceded two goals in the second half, resulting in a 2-2 tie after Edson Carioca scored late in the match. Thus, Jair Ventura’s side has squandered five points from winning situations in their last two fixtures.

Rene has found the net in each of Vitoria’s last three league encounters, totaling four goals, which began with a second-half header from a corner that secured a 1-0 win against Gremio at the Barradao on September 7.

Vitoria accrued 25 points from their opening 11 home games, possessing the highest home win rate in the division at that point, yet they have not secured an away victory in the current league season, gathering only five points from their matches on the road.

Before their win against Gremio, they suffered four consecutive losses, facing Bahia and Atletico-MG in the league and in both legs of the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals against Vasco. Ventura marked a year in charge on September 24.

Chapecoense find themselves at the bottom of the table with 18 points, and their third league victory of the season was a 2-1 comeback against Corinthians on September 6, featuring both goals scored by Marcinho, with the second assisted by Yannick Bolasie, marking their first win away from home.

However, this did not result in a winning streak, as Internacional triumphed 2-1 at Arena Conda on September 12, despite Mauricio Garcez managing to equalize just before half-time, while center-back Joao Paulo was sent off.

In their subsequent match against Atletico-MG, Tulio Eduardo scored just before the half-time whistle, and Mateo Cassierra netted a goal in the second half, ending a 19-match scoreless run, even as the hosts launched more than 20 shots on goal.

The problem lies with the defence; Chapecoense has scored 29 times but conceded 53 goals in 27 league matches, and they have allowed goals in every one of their three outings since September 6.

The previous encounter between these sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Arena Conda on April 5, where Neto Pessoa headed Chapecoense ahead late on against 10 men, followed by Matheuzinho scoring an equalizer from a penalty in stoppage time after Edenilson received a red card in the first half.

Head coach Rafael Lacerda was appointed on May 30 after the dismissals of Gilmar Dal Pozzo on April 3 and Fabio Matias in late May, at which point the club had not won a league match since their opening-day 4-2 victory over Santos.

Team News

Jair Ventura’s team is currently dealing with a significant number of absences due to injuries, with Gabriel Baralhas and Ramon sidelined as they continue to recover from muscle issues.

Mateus Silva, who sustained a thigh injury against Cruzeiro, remains unavailable despite returning to controlled training during the international break.

Camutanga has shown improvement since undergoing surgery on his left foot, having started a new phase of his on-field rehabilitation work on Monday, although he hasn’t yet been cleared for ball activities or competitive play.

Walace is also making a comeback following a muscle injury.

Chapecoense will travel to Salvador with Bruno Tubarao back in the squad after recovering from his thigh injury; however, Dudu is anticipated to keep his spot at right-back following a commendable performance in the 1-1 draw against Atletico-MG.

Heitor, Rafael Carvalheira, Max Alves, Vinicius Balieiro, and Robert remain out due to injuries.

Joao Paulo has completed his suspension for the red card he received against Internacional and is available again.

Vitoria probable starting XI:

Archangel; Mateusinho, Caca, Candido, Jamerson; Goncalves, Martinez; Erick, Matheuzinho, Tarzia; Rene

Chapecoense probable starting XI:

Anderson; Dudu, Faria, Doma, Pacheco; Camilo, Felipe; Marcinho, Augusto, Garcez; Edward

Chapecoense seems to struggle notably in the areas where Vitoria excels, considering the visitors have let in goals in every game since September 6 and have conceded 53 times in 27 league appearances. With a weakened Vitoria lineup centered around Rene’s finishing abilities, they are likely to create sufficient opportunities to find the net at least twice at the Barradao.

Chapecoense should manage to score as well, having netted in each of their last three league matches, and Vitoria has relinquished leads in their previous two games. Yet, Chapecoense only boasts a single away victory this season, and Vitoria’s tally of 28 points at home indicates they will likely defend a lead more securely than they did against Cruzeiro.