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

Winless sides Chapecoense and Cuiaba face off at Arena Conda on Sunday in a huge game at the bottom of the Brasileiro.

Chapecoense have lost four games in a row and are two points behind their opponents, though Cuiaba do have a couple of games in hand.

Match preview

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The Big Green's first season back in the Brazilian top flight after a year absence has not panned out the way supporters would have wanted.

Jair Ventura's men have collected just four points from their first 11 games, avoiding defeat against only Athletico Paranaense, Atletico Mineiro, Sao Paulo and Ceara.

The 20 goals conceded by Chapecoense is easily the most of any side in the division, while at the other end they are among the lowest scorers with just 12 goals to their name.

While the campaign may still be in its early stages, this is already looking something close to a must-win game for the hosts if they are to avoid being cut adrift.

Cuiaba's situation is not quite as bleak given that they have a couple of games in hand on the majority of teams around them, but the Dourado could also do with a win on Sunday.

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Jorginho's charges have drawn six and lost three of their first nine matches, most recently playing out a 2-2 draw with Ceara to remain in the bottom four.

The visitors have at least scored in back-to-back matches, following on the back of a run of three matches without finding the back of the net.

Jorginho will be quietly pleased with results in his first two matches, having held erstwhile leaders Bragantino before snatching a late point against midtable Ceara with 10 men.

There were few - if any - positives for Chapecoense to take from their last game, meanwhile, as they fell 2-1 away at Flamengo in a game they led with 12 minutes to go.

Team News

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Chapecoense are hopeful of having Tiepo and Alan Santos available for selection this weekend, but neither are likely to feature from the start of the game.

Pedro Perotti scored as a substitute against Flamengo and is pushing for inclusion here, as is Kaio Nunes.

As for Cuiaba, they will be without Pepe after the midfielder was sent off in the first half of the 2-2 draw with Ceara last week.

That should mean Auremir coming into central midfield alongside Uillian Correia and Danilo Gomes.

Murilo Rangel and Camilo are nursing injuries, meanwhile, and Yuri is a fitness doubt.

Chapecoense possible starting lineup:
Paulo; Ignacio, Santana, Derlan; Ribeiro, Leite, Lima, Busanello; Geuvanio, Ramon, Fernandinho

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Carlos; Lucas, Marllon, Paulao, Uendel; Correia, Gomes, Auremir; Marques, Elton, Clayson

We say: Chapecoense 1-2 Cuiaba

Chapecoense and Cuiaba will consider this as a huge opportunity to get a first win on the board at the 12th and 10th attempt respectively.

The visitors will be pleased enough with results since Jorginho took charge earlier this month, and we can see them picking up a much-needed win on Sunday.