Vasco da Gama RJ

vs

Chapecoense SC

Preview

Vasco da Gama RJ

• Vasco da Gama RJ sits 15th in the 2026 Serie A table with 0 points after a 2-1 defeat at Mirassol FC in the opening game of the season.
• Fernando Diniz’ fluid and possession-based approach to building up the game from the back in a 4-3-3 formation before morphing into a 4-2-3-1 in the offensive third is clearly evident in Vasco’s game and he has given them identity, structure and bite in the attacking third.
• Vasco will look to overload the central areas with short, crisp passing sequences and quick one-twos to break lines on Thursday.

Chapecoense SC

• Chapecoense SC sits 2nd in the 2026 Serie A after defeating Santos FC Sao Paulo 4-2 at home in their opening fixture.
• Gilmar Dal Pozzo’s pragmatism is a breath of fresh air at the opposite end of the field, where Chapecoense sit deep and narrow in a rigid block looking to frustrate opponents and hit on the break or from set-pieces.
• Their ability to stick to their shape and discipline for long periods is testament to Dal Pozzo’s work, as is their recent unbeaten run of 5 matches, 3 of which they have won.

Betting Insights

• With Vasco playing on home soil, the oddsmakers have them as favorites to win at 1.66, while Dal Pozzo’s side are underdogs at 5.2.
• We think the odds are stacked in the hosts' favour here, but Dal Pozzo’s influence on Chapecoense cannot be understated, and we think the visitors will prove very hard to break down on Thursday.
• Under 2.5 goals looks a fair price to take at 1.8, considering both teams have been involved in low-scoring encounters of late and a tight game is expected to ensue.