The upcoming clash between Atletico Mineiro and Fortaleza in the Brasileiro Serie A is set to be an exciting contest.
With both teams vying for a place in next season's Copa Sudamericana, this match promises high stakes and thrilling action. Here, we break down the prediction, team news, form, and more.
Form Analysis
Atletico Mineiro
Atletico Mineiro's start to the 2024 campaign has been less than stellar compared to their third-place finish last season.
They currently sit 10th in the table with 13 points from nine games. Despite an unbeaten run in their first seven matches, a recent dip in form has seen them suffer back-to-back defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Palmeiras and a surprising 4-2 defeat to Vitoria.
This downturn has seen them concede eight goals in two matches, a stark contrast to the five goals conceded in the previous seven fixtures.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza, currently 12th in the table, are just behind Atletico Mineiro due to a lower goal difference.
They have been impressive since their return to the top flight in 2019, qualifying for international competitions four times in five years.
Despite a three-game losing streak, they bounced back with a crucial 1-0 victory over Gremio.
A win against Atletico Mineiro could see them climb towards the Copa Libertadores places and leapfrog their opponents.
Team News
Atletico Mineiro
Atletico Mineiro will be missing key players due to the Copa America and injuries.
Guilherme Arana, Alan Franco, and Eduardo Vargas are away on international duty.
Otavio and Rubens are out with injuries. Despite these absences, the team will look to key players like Pedrinho, Zaracho, and Cadu to step up.
Predicted Lineup: Everson; Saravia, Fuchs, Romulo; Scarpa, Gomes, Battaglia, Alisson; Pedrinho, Zaracho, Cadu.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza also faces selection issues with Kervin Andrade and Benjamin Kuscevic on Copa America duty, and Juan Lucero suspended.
Additionally, Dudu, Matheus Rossetto, Moises Vieira, and Marinho are sidelined due to injuries.
Predicted Lineup: Ricardo; Tinga, Titi, Cardona, Jonatan; Welison, Augusto; Pochettino, Martinez, Lopes, Rocha.
Prediction
Considering Atletico Mineiro's home advantage and historical performance against Fortaleza, they are favoured to win despite their recent poor form.
Our prediction is a 3-1 victory for Atletico Mineiro. Their solid track record at home against Fortaleza and the need to bounce back from consecutive defeats are strong motivators.
Mineiro 
Fortaleza 
