Preview: Chapecoense vs. Corinthians - prediction, team news, lineups

Chapecoense have another chance to get off the mark with their first Brasileiro Serie A victory of the season on Thursday when they face Corinthians at Arena Conda.

The Big Green have lost five and drawn four of their first nine matches since returning to the top flight, while Corinthians have taken 11 points from the same number of games.

Match preview

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Sunday's 2-0 loss to Bahia, courtesy of second-half goals from Gilberto and Rodrigo Becao, leaves Chapecoense one place off the bottom of the division.

Jair Ventura's side have lost three of their last four games and are in desperate need of that maiden victory to properly kickstart their campaign.

Chapecoense also exited the Copa do Brasil last month, so their focus for now is on clawing their way out of the Brasileiro relegation zone.

The good news for the Big Green is that it remains incredibly tight at the bottom end of the division, with 16th-placed Sport Recife just two points better off.

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Corinthians hardly enter this game in the best of form, either, having won just one of their last eight matches - a 2-1 victory against Recife on June 24.

The Timao are the Brasileiro's draw experts, with five of their nine games this term finishing all square, including each of the last three.

That includes a 1-1 draw with Internacional last time out - Jo scoring 10 minutes from time in that one to cancel out Edenilson's penalty opener.

Corinthians' campaign could still go one of two ways, though a win here could possibly lift them all the way into the top six, giving Sylvinho's side all the motivation they need.

The most recent meeting between these sides finished 1-0 to Corinthians in October 2019, making it three wins in a row for the Timao in this fixture.

Team News

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Alan Santos returned to action as a substitute for Chapecoense last time out and is pushing for a first start of the season here.

Joilson remains an injury doubt, however, and the likes of Moises Ribeiro, Tiepo and Leo Gomes are also out of action.

With changes expected on the back of the 2-0 loss to Bahia, Mike could return to the starting lineup in attacking midfield.

As for Corinthians, Romulo Otero may be considered for selection following Venezuela's recent Copa America exit.

Leo Natel and Caique Franca have both recently been carrying injuries, meanwhile, and are not expected to play any part against Chapecoense.

Up top, former Manchester City striker Jo will be looking to build on a return of three goals from his first six appearances of the campaign.

Chapecoense possible starting lineup:
Paulo; Ribeiro, Ignacio, Santana, Derlan; Guedes, Lima; Mike, Ravanelli, Fernandinho; Ramon

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Fagner, Victor, Gil, Santos; Cantillo, Gabriel; Gustavo, Otero, Vital; Jo

We say: Chapecoense 1-2 Corinthians

Chapecoense are still without a win this season, yet should they change that on Thursday they could pull themselves out of the relegation zone.

Opponents Corinthians have just the two wins to their name, meanwhile, having drawn more than half of their matches, but we can see them coming away with all three points here.