Prediction: Chapecoense vs Sport Recife

Verdict: Sport Recife double chance

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

Hoping to make up some ground in the promotion chase, Sport Recife will travel to Chapecoense late on Tuesday night.

Chapecoense

Starting with the hosts, while Chapecoense might have claimed a much-needed 2-1 victory against Goias earlier in the month, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for the Verdao. Eventually falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Novorizontino last week, Claudinei Oliveira’s men find themselves at the heart of a Serie B relegation scrap. Mustering just four points from any of their previous six second-tier appearances, the Santa Catarina-based outfit have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability since opening up the 2024 campaign. Signing off June with a 2-1 defeat at home against Paysandu, Chapecoense have also gained a reputation for their glaring struggles on home soil. Including a 1-0 loss against Operario last month, Oliveira’s side have failed to win any of their previous six consecutive matchups at the Arena Conda.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Chapecoense will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Ronaldo Mendes and former Avai striker Romulo here. However, serving a one-match ban against Novorizontino last week, 28-year-old Bruno Leonardo should make a full return on Tuesday night.

While Marchino might have notched just a single Serie B strike from any of his 16 appearances this season, the ex-Botafogo striker should keep his spot spearheading Oliveira’s attack. Arriving at the Arena Conda this season, veteran goalkeeper Matheus Cavichioli will start between the sticks.

Sport Recife

As for the visitors, mounting a comeback at the Ilha do Retiro last week as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate against America MG, Sport Recife have continued on an eye-catching Serie B run this season. Battling it out in the promotion chase, the Lions have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven second-tier appearances. Getting July underway with a 1-0 win away at Guarani, Mariano Soso’s men will be looking to make another statement here. Not suffering a defeat on their travels since the start of June, Tuesday’s guests will also be excited by an impressive record against Chapecoense. Claiming a 2-1 victory when they last met the Verdao nine months ago, they have registered 13 points from their last five Serie B showdowns against the midweek hosts.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Sport Recife will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Rafael Thyere and former Fortaleza striker Romarinho late on Tuesday night. However, making a cameo appearance off the bench against America MG last week, 24-year-old Vinicius Faria could be handed a full recall here.

Recording two goals in his previous three Serie B appearances, one-time Bahia star Ze Roberto will play a leading role in the final third. Playing a crucial role at the heart of the Lions’ midfield this season, former Palmeiras ace Lucas Lima will once again be partnered with Christian Ortiz.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chapecoense and Sport Recife last met back in October of last year, the Lions collected a 2-1 victory at the Ilha do Retiro.
• In fact, Tuesday’s guests have registered 13 points from their previous five Serie B matchups against the Verdao.
• Sport Recife have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven Serie B appearances.
• Chapecoense have failed to win any of their previous six consecutive matchups at the Arena Conda.
• Five of the last six meetings between Tuesday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous seven Serie B appearances, Sport Recife should be relishing a trip to the Arena Conda late on Tuesday night. Collecting 13 points from their last five matchups against the second-tier relegation scrappers, a downbeat Chapecoense could face another stern test here. Along with not mustering a single victory against the Lions since way back in November 2018, the Verdao have also failed to win any of their last six straight battles at the Arena Conda.

Verdict: Sport Recife double chance

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster