Corinthians’ six home clean sheets face Chapecoense-sc’s winless away record

A 18-point gap sets the tone in Sao Paulo

Corinthians welcome Chapecoense-sc to Neo Quimica Arena on Sunday, September 6, with a sizeable difference separating the teams in Serie A. The hosts sit 10th with 32 points from 25 matches, while Chapecoense-sc are bottom, 20th, with 14 points from 24 games. Kick-off is scheduled for 22:30 UTC, with W. do Nascimento appointed referee.

Corinthians are 20 points behind leaders Palmeiras, so a title challenge is not the immediate context. Their focus is instead on strengthening a mid-table position. Chapecoense-sc are 38 points off the leaders and face the more urgent need to collect points as they try to improve their standing near the foot of the table.

Recent momentum points in opposite directions

Corinthians’ most recent results read loss, loss, loss, giving them a difficult immediate run despite three wins in their previous five matches before that sequence. Their overall record of eight wins, eight draws and nine losses underlines an inconsistent campaign, although a positive goal difference of one suggests they have remained competitive across the season.

Chapecoense-sc’s latest result was a win, preceded by two draws, offering some encouragement after a long run containing several defeats. Their record of two wins, eight draws and 14 losses shows why the visitors need to turn improved resistance into regular victories.

Formation trends and home advantage

Corinthians have strongly favoured a 4-2-3-1, using it in 17 matches, with the 4-4-2 their next most-used option at three. That consistency could help them control the match through a familiar structure, particularly at home, where they have five wins, three draws and five losses. They have scored 13 goals and conceded 11 in those matches, recording six clean sheets.

Chapecoense-sc have also used the 4-2-3-1 most often, but only seven times, while rotating among several three-defender systems and other shapes. Their away record is a major concern: no wins, three draws and nine losses, with eight goals scored and 22 conceded. They have not kept an away clean sheet, so defensive organisation will be central to their plan.

Absences add to the tactical questions

Corinthians will be without Andre and Yuri Alberto through muscle injuries, while Kayke, Z. Labyad and Vitinho are listed with knee injuries. Andre Ramalho is inactive, and Gabriel Paulista and Hugo Souza are unavailable through yellow-card listings. Raniele is also listed as missing through both yellow-card and red-card entries. These absences reduce the hosts’ available options in attack, defence and midfield.

Chapecoense-sc are missing Y. Bolasie, Max Alves, Rafael Carvalheira and Robert Conceicao through injury, with Joao Paulo unavailable because of health problems and Bruno Pacheco suspended through a yellow-card listing. Bruno Tubarao is questionable because of inactivity. The visitors may therefore favour a cautious, compact approach while seeking to exploit transitions.

Prediction

Corinthians 2-0 Chapecoense-sc. The hosts’ stronger table position, six home clean sheets and Chapecoense-sc’s winless away record make a controlled Corinthians victory the most likely outcome.