Atletico Mineiro seek to extend their ongoing undefeated streak in Sunday's gameweek 13 Brasileiro meeting with Atletico Goianiense at Arena MRV.
The home side have avoided defeat in back-to-back matches, and they aim to keep that going against the visitors who slipped into the relegation zone after the previous round.
Match preview
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A slow start to the season sees last season's third-placed side sit 10th as the new campaign nears its midpoint, but they hope the recent results cause a turnaround.
A home draw against Fortaleza saw Gabriel Milito's men avoid three losses on the trot, and that point was followed by a 2-1 triumph over Internacional in midweek.
Both results were a welcome development for a side that hitherto conceded eight times in two games against Palmeiras (4-0) and Vitoria (4-2), frustrating supporters who have seen their side struggle domestically since Luiz Felipe Scolari's amicable departure in March.
The World Cup-winning manager's successor's Copa Libertadores results have been near perfect — five wins from six group-stage games — but their league and domestic cup outcomes have been mixed, underlined by their start to the campaign and exit in the Copa do Brasil.
With the Libertadores not returning until August, Galo hope to secure results to continue their ascent and put their underwhelming Brasileiro start behind them.
Their opponents hope to delay any upswing in Belo Horizonte, keen to get themselves out of the relegation mire.
A 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Criciuma on June 19 was the last straw for the club, who relieved Jair Ventura of his duties, even if that loss followed a two-match unbeaten run (four points).
Dragao have not appointed a replacement at the time of writing, with Anderson Gomes put in charge temporarily until the Goias-based club name a replacement.
Gomes is winless in two games, albeit two draws against Cuiaba (0-0) and Gremio (1-1), meaning Atletico Goianiense have notched one win in their last six Brasileiro matches, a 2-1 triumph at cellar-dwelling Fluminense.
Nevertheless, the away side could leave their unwelcome position on Sunday, with struggling Vasco da Gama — both clubs have 10 points but Vasco have recorded one more win — hosting title-contending Botafogo. If Dragao better the 16th-placed side's result, they get a reprieve by leaving the bottom four places.
Team News
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Atletico Mineiro's Guilherme Arana (Brazil), Eduardo Vargas (Chile) and Alan Franco (Ecuador) are absent due to the ongoing Copa America.
Also missing on Sunday are Gustavo Scarpa, Igor Rabello and Bruno Fuchs, who serve one-match bans after accumulating multiple yellow cards, but Igor Gomes returns from suspension.
Milito has several injury worries for this weekend, with Otavio (thigh) and Rubens (knee) expected to miss out, while Matias Zaracho is doubtful after going off after 24 minutes against Internacional in midweek. Further potential absentees include Alisson Santana (ankle), Mauricio Lemos, Renzo Saravia (both muscle) and Everson (finger).
While the away side do not have as many absentees through injury and suspension, they have their fair share, underlined by Alix (calf), Gustavo Campanharo (knee) and Pedro Henrique's (thigh) unlikely participation on Sunday; Rhaldney is doubtful after his 20th-minute withdrawal against Gremio.
Gabriel Baralhas picked up his third booking of the season, thus ruling out the midfield man through suspension.
While Atletico Goianiense have struggled for goals this term, they could look to Luiz Fernando (two goals) to carry some of that burden against the Belo Horizonte outfit.
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Mendes; Mariano, Battaglia, Romulo; Paulinho, Palacios, Vitor, Gomes; Scarpa, Hulk, Cadu
Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:
Ronaldo; Maguinho, Martins, Felipe, Romao; Cruz, Kal; Shaylon, Max, Fernando; Rodriguez
We say: Atletico Mineiro 1-1 Atletico Goianiense
While the immediate inclination is to back Atletico Mineiro to notch maximum points, the hosts' absentees mean you are inclined to be cautious. The away side may not be prolific in attack, but they should have enough to nick a point against Milito's hodgepodge side.
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