Chapecoense-sc vs Vitoria - Serie A

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Chapecoense-sc and Vitoria together at the home ground on April 5, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Serie A occasion. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

The standings add context to the occasion — Chapecoense-sc occupying 20th, Vitoria perched in 12th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. Chapecoense-sc are still searching for momentum, LWLWD in their last five and a season win rate of just 11.54%. Vitoria have blown hot and cold, DWLLW across their last five and a season win rate of 33.33%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Ipswich would be open to permanent offers for the winger, who has three years to run on his contract.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Chapecoense-sc favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Vitoria are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman K. Viveros — 18 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Barcelona are believed to have received encouragement they stand a good chance of signing the midfielder should Rodri move in this window.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Vitoria look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. Whatever the outcome, the Serie A fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.