Preview: Chapecoense vs Sao Paulo - prediction, team news, lineups

Chapecoense host Sao Paulo at Arena Conda in Chapeco on Sunday in the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship, with the hosts desperately searching for a result in their battle against relegation.

The visitors, meanwhile, arrive looking to end a lengthy winless run in the Brasileirao after securing their place in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals in midweek.

Match preview

Chapecoense have endured a miserable return to Brazil's top flight and currently sit bottom of the table with just 11 points from 22 matches.

Rafael Lacerda's side have managed only one victory all season, alongside eight draws and 13 defeats, leaving them 13 points from safety – their defensive record has been particularly damaging, with the Chapeco side conceding 46 goals while scoring just 23, giving them the worst goal difference in the division.

The recent form offers little encouragement either. A 3-3 draw against Bahia last time out extended their winless run in the top flight to 22 matches, while Lacerda is still waiting for his first victory since taking charge.

Nevertheless, Chapecoense can point to home advantage as a potential source of encouragement, with the Arena Conda traditionally providing a difficult environment for visiting teams, and the hosts will need to make the most of that advantage if they are to begin closing the sizeable gap to safety.

Their approach is likely to be cautious, with Lacerda expected to prioritise defensive compactness before attempting to exploit spaces through the pace of his wide players.

Sao Paulo, by contrast, head into the contest with contrasting fortunes across domestic and continental competition.

Dorival Junior's side are 13th in the Brasileirão with 27 points from 22 matches, having recorded seven wins, six draws and nine defeats – however, they have failed to win in their last nine league matches, a run that has prevented them from making significant progress up the table.

Their mood was lifted considerably on Thursday, though, as Sao Paulo beat Bolivar 3-1 to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, a result that eased some of the pressure surrounding Dorival and provided an important boost ahead of the trip to Santa Catarina.

The away side’s ability to control possession could prove important on Sunday, having averaged 54.3% possession this season compared with 42.7% for Chapecoense, and their patience in possession will be tested against a home side likely to defend deep and look for opportunities on the counter.

The visitors will also take confidence from their recent record in this fixture, as they are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the teams, while they won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Caninde earlier this season through goals from Luciano and Jonathan Calleri.

Overall, the rivalry remains relatively balanced – in 15 meetings since 2014, Sao Paulo have won five times, Chapecoense four, with the other six ending in draws.

Chapecoense Brasileiro form:

Chapecoense form (all competitions):

Sao Paulo Brasileiro form:

Sao Paulo form (all competitions):

Team News

Chapecoense have several players unavailable through injury, as Bruno Tubarao remains sidelined with a thigh problem, while Max Alves is recovering from a rib fracture.

Rafael Carvalheira has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury, while Robert is expected to remain out until October following his own ACL injury, and Yannick Bolasie is also unavailable due to an abdominal problem.

There are no suspensions for the hosts, leaving Camilo available to provide protection in midfield and help initiate attacks alongside Giovanni Augusto.

Sao Paulo also have several absentees, with Lucas Moura still sidelined after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture, while Victor Sa is doubtful with an ankle problem.

Rafael Toloi and Maik are unavailable with muscle injuries, while defender Nahuel Ferraresi has completed a permanent move to Botafogo.

With no suspensions to contend with, Dorival is expected to retain much of the core that helped Sao Paulo progress in the Copa Sudamericana, with Calleri leading the attack.

Chapecoense possible starting lineup:

Anderson; Everton, Doma, Faria, Fernando; Camilo, Felipe, Rossi, Marcinho, Augusto; Tulio

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Rafael; Ramon, Arboleda, Duarte, Wendell; Newton, Maia; Artur, Luciano, Antonio; Calleri

We say: Chapecoense 1-2 Sao Paulo

Chapecoense's home advantage and desperation for points should make this a competitive contest, but their defensive record remains a major concern against a Sao Paulo side with greater individual quality.

We expect a close encounter, with Calleri and the visitors' superior attacking quality ultimately proving decisive in a narrow victory.

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