Preview: Chapecoense vs Atletico Mineiro - prediction, team news, lineups

Chapecoense return to action on Thursday at Arena Condá as they host Atletico Mineiro when the Campeonato Brasileirao resumes following the FIFA international break, with the match kicking off at 11pm BST and bringing together two sides currently enduring difficult spells in the competition.

Chapecoense are aiming to halt a poor run of form after going six rounds without a win and searching for only their second Serie A victory, while Atletico MG also arrive under pressure with just two wins in their last five matches, making this an important contest for both teams as they look to collect valuable points in Brazil’s top flight.

Match preview

Chapecoense began their Campeonato Brasileirao campaign with an entertaining 4-2 defeat to Santos and have since played six further rounds without finding consistency, a run that has contributed to their current position in the table.

Across those matches, Chapecoense have recorded one win, four draws and two defeats to accumulate seven points, scoring nine goals and conceding 11 to leave them with a goal difference of minus two.

They currently sit 15th in the standings with a game in hand against Bahia, whose participation in the Copa Libertadores pre-qualifying rounds led to the postponement of that fixture.

While many clubs rested during the international break, Chapecoense remained active in the Copa Sul-Sudeste, beating Sao Bernardo 2-1 at home before suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Volta Redonda, with head coach Gilmar Dal Pozzo using the matches to fine-tune his squad and test tactical variations.

Off the pitch, the club have strengthened their squad by signing forward Da Silva from Concordia, who is eligible to make his debut, while there has also been a boardroom reshuffle with executive Joao Carlos Maringa departing and Rafael Lima stepping into the role.

Atletico MG head into the match seeking improved form after collecting eight points from eight rounds, having recorded two wins, two draws and four defeats in an inconsistent campaign.

The side have scored eight goals and conceded 11, leaving them with a goal difference of minus three and positioned 13th in the table.

Despite inconsistency, Atletico have won two of their last three Brasileirao matches but have still suffered three defeats in their last five games, making the trip an opportunity to demonstrate progress.

Their recent head-to-head record against Chapecoense is also concerning, as Atletico have failed to win any of their last three meetings with two draws and one defeat, while winning just two of the last ten encounters overall.

Off the pitch, the club are evaluating defender Ruan Tressoldi’s future following his loan from Sassuolo, with the player earning increased playing time, adapting well and gaining the trust of the coaching staff, prompting discussions over activating his purchase option.

Chapecoense Brasileiro form:

Chapecoense form (all competitions):

Atletico Mineiro Brasileiro form:

Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):

Team News

© Iconsport / SUSA

Gilmar Dal Pozzo faces selection concerns with Maurício Garcia sidelined by a thigh injury alongside Robert Santos and Bruno Matias, both recovering from knee ligament issues.

Right-back Everton will also miss the match after receiving a red card against Internacional, leaving Marcos Vinícius as the most likely replacement in the starting lineup.

Eduardo Dominguez has two confirmed absences for Atletico MG, with midfielder Maycon ruled out due to a calf injury and Guinean forward Mamadi Sisse recovering from a foot problem, while both are expected to return later in April.

Holding midfielder Alexander has returned to training after a medial collateral ligament injury but remains doubtful, while defender Vitor Hugo is also uncertain with a calf issue, although Atletico are still expected to field their strongest available lineup.

Chapecoense possible starting lineup:

Santos; Vinicius, Leonardo, Eduardo Clar; Camilo, Meritao; Rafael, Augusto, Italo; Bolasie 

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Everson; Preciado, Ruan, Alonso, Lodi; Gomes, Franco, Hugo; Bernard, Cuello, Hulk

We say: Chapecoense 2-1 Atletico Mineiro

Atletico MG arrive in Chapeco struggling away from home after losing all four away matches in the 2026 Brasileirao and failing to score more than once in any of those games, leaving them reliant on results at Arena MRV and short on confidence on the road.

Chapecoense, meanwhile, have performed more strongly at home with four consecutive unbeaten Serie A matches at Arena Conda, and despite their struggles away from home, the Verdao do Oeste view their home ground as a major advantage and appear well-placed to end their winless run against the league’s weakest away side.

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