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

Chapecoense are running out of time to save themselves from Brasileiro relegation as they prepare for Monday's visit of Sao Paulo.

The Big Green are bottom of the table with 22 matches played, while Sao Paulo are 13th following back-to-back draws.

Match preview

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Back in the Brazilian top flight this season after gaining promotion last time out, 2021 has not gone to plan for Chapecoense as they have just one win to their name all season.

That victory came three games ago away at Bragantino, but they have since lost 2-0 to Palmeiras and 1-0 to Ceara.

The gap on safety now stands at 14 points and relegation seems inevitable, though a couple of wins over the next week may just give Pintado's charges some renewed hope.

Sao Paulo are themselves only four points and four places above the dropzone on the back of stalemates with America Mineiro and Atletico Mineiro.

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Hernan Crespo's men failed to score in either match and their tally of 18 goals is the fifth worst in the division.

The visitors will be looking up the table rather than down after three games without defeat, and they enter this gameweek just six points off a Copa Libertadores qualifying spot.

These sides played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture four months ago, a game in which Rodrigo Nestor's red card proved costly as Chapecoense battled back for a rare point.

Sao Paulo had won the previous two meetings by a 7-0 aggregate scoreline, however, and they enter this latest contest at Arena Conda as favourites to take all three points.

Team News

Gabriel has missed Sao Paulo's last two matches but is in contention for a place in the starting lineup here, as is Jonathan Calleri after making three appearances from the bench.

Igor Vinicius sustained an injury last time out and is not expected to be available on Monday, while Luis Orejuela and William are also sidelined.

Sao Paulo are goalless in their last two matches, but Emiliano Rigoni and Luciano should get the nod up top.

As for Chapecoense, they are without suspended trio Moises Ribeiro, Jordan and Lima. Pedro Perotti is also absent through injury.

Pintado's options are therefore limited and a similar XI to the one that started against Ceara can be expected.

Chapecoense possible starting lineup:
Keiller; Ribeiro, Kadu, Ignacio, Busanello; Mike, Santos, Melz, Gomes, Silva; Ramon

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Volpi; Arboleda, Miranda, Leo; Galliano, Gabriel, Liziero, Nestor, Sara; Rigoni, Luciano

We say: Chapecoense 0-1 Sao Paulo

Chapecoense have surely accepted their relegation fate, but opponents Sao Paulo still have plenty to play for.

After going successive games without netting, we are backing the visitors to end that scoreless drought and pick up a much-needed win on Monday.