Vitoria BA VS Chapecoense SC

Relegation pressure is running high in this Brazilian Serie A clash, as home side Vitoria sits 13th on the standings with 33 points, just clear of the drop zone with a very narrow buffer that leaves no room for complacency. Their biggest competitive edge this season comes from home soil, where they have picked up the vast majority of their total points at the Barrao Stadium. However, their recent form has been wildly inconsistent, with results swinging between wins and losses across their last five outings. A home defeat in their latest fixture has dented the squad’s morale. Their backline is currently plagued by a string of injuries, with multiple first-choice defenders sidelined, which has greatly undermined their defensive solidity and left them exposed to opponents’ counterattacks. Their attacking line is not particularly clinical either, with their main threats coming from wide runs and set piece opportunities. Frustration easily creeps into the players’ mindset if they fail to break the deadlock early. The two teams played out a 1-1 draw in their first meeting this campaign, so both sides are fully familiar with each other’s tactical styles.