Cruzeiro X Chapecoense: Bolasie Returns as Fábio Matias Seeks First Win
Cruzeiro x Chapecoense arrives on Sunday at 16:00 at Mineirão in Belo Horizonte with different pressures on both sides. Cruzeiro brings a five-match unbeaten run, while Chapecoense is still last in the Campeonato Brasileiro and four points behind the penultimate-place side.
Mineirão in Belo Horizonte
The match is set for the 17th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, and Cruzeiro returns home in Série A after two away matches and a derby loss to Atlético-MG. Amazon Prime will show the game, and ge will carry live coverage.
Cruzeiro’s recent run includes two wins and three draws, with draws against Palmeiras in the Brasileirão and Boca Juniors in the Libertadores in its most recent outings. That keeps the focus on how it handles a home league match after a stretch that has not included a setback for five straight games.
Fábio Matias and Chapecoense
Chapecoense coach Fábio Matias is still looking for his first Série A win with the club. In six league matches, he has one draw and five defeats, even though he has already won once with Chapecoense in the Copa do Brasil and Sul-Sudeste.
The lineup picture carries several absences. Camilo is suspended after his third yellow card, and Higor Meritão may start in his place. Yannick Bolasie is back after serving a suspension in the previous round, and the reunion gives Chapecoense one more attacking option in a match where it needs points fast.
Suspensions for Cruzeiro
Cruzeiro will be without Keny Arroyo, who is suspended, while Cássio is out because of the medical department and William is unavailable for personal reasons after being released. Gerson, Kauã Moraes, Lucas Romero, Matheus Pereira and Otávio are all listed as pending disciplinary status.
Chapecoense also has injury problems, with Rafael Thyere, Victor Caetano and Robert out. Marcos Vinícius, Doma, Jean Carlos, Ênio and João Paulo are also pending disciplinary status, which leaves both benches carrying uncertainty into a match already shaped by table pressure.
Flavio Rodrigues de Souza
Flavio Rodrigues de Souza will referee the match. For Chapecoense, the demand is immediate: a point would still leave it chasing the pack, but another defeat would deepen the gap it already carries at the bottom of the table.
