Athletico PR slipped up in midweek losing 2-1 away to Bahia. It was the Hurricane’s first loss of the 2021 campaign and prevented them from returning to the top of the Serie A table.
On Monday, Athletico PR play Chapecoense with the aiming of returning to the top of the pack in Serie A. Chapecoense are 18th in Serie A’s standings after six matches.
Final de partida na Arena Condá. Chapecoense 1x2 Internacional #VamosChape pic.twitter.com/5GU1MSNRwp— Chapecoense (@ChapecoenseReal) June 25, 2021
Final de partida na Arena Condá. Chapecoense 1x2 Internacional #VamosChape pic.twitter.com/5GU1MSNRwp
They are one of five Serie A teams to not win a game.
Chapecoenseb have picked up a mere three points courtesy of three draws, but are only stuff in the relegation zone thanks to a poor goal difference.
There is hope that coach Jair Ventura’s team can string together some points and move clear of relegation danger.
The good news for Ventura going into the match is no new injuries have been reported. However, Bruno Silva will miss the game due to suspension.
With just four goals scored in six games, he needs the sides attacking talent to step up.
Ventura is likely to start Ravenelli in attack behind a front two of Fernandinho and Anselmo Ramon. Neither forward has lit the league on fire this term.
The two have combined for zero goals. Left-back Derlan goes into the match having scored in Chapecoense’s 2-1 loss to Internacional last time out.
Athletico PR manager Antonio Oliveira will be without the duo of Richard and Marcinho. The pair was sent off against Bahia in team’s 2-1 loss. Richard was sent off just 13 minutes into the game.
Midfielder Nikao and defender Lucas Hunter are both ruled out of the game through injury. Renato Kayser could lead the line once more for the Hurricane.
He has failed to score in five games. If Kayser can get hot, Athletico PR could resume their title fight.
It is likely Athletico PR will fall off the pace for the Serie A title. A loss to Chapecoense would be damaging to any hopes they have of winning a first Serie A trophy in 20 years.
These teams did not play in 2020 due to Chapecoense playing in Serie B. The last time they met was in 2019. Chapecoense are unbeaten in three straight games winning once and drawing two.That trend of results is likely to end this Monday.
Chapecoense have been poor this season away from home. They have taken two points from nine on their travels. Athletico PR have taken six points from six at home while scoring three goals and conceding zero.
Monday’s game should be low scoring with the Hurricane picking up a win to nil. Expect them to stay perfect at home.