Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Brasileiro clash between Criciuma and Atletico Mineiro, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Two sides looking to extend their unbeaten runs will clash when Criciuma host Atletico Mineiro at Estadio Heriberto Hulse on Sunday.
The hosts are undefeated in their last two matches, while the visitors have gone four Brasileiro Serie A games without defeat.
Match preview
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Criciuma ended a five-match winless streak with a 2-1 victory over Juventude last Saturday, thanks to a brace from former Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie.
Claudio Tencati‘s side climbed to 12th position with 21 points from 18 matches, but they remain just three points above the relegation zone.
El Tigre have been unbeaten in their last two games – a 1-1 draw with Fortaleza followed by the win over Juventude – and they have the opportunity to make it three without loss against Atletico Mineiro.
With Criciuma returning to home soil on Sunday, they will be aiming to extend their unbeaten home record to six matches, having drawn four and won two in that period.
The Santa Catarina side have never lost a home game against their next opponents, winning three and drawing one in their four previous meetings – a record Tencati will hope to maintain.
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Atletico Mineiro could only secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil round-of-16 tie against CRB at Estadio Rei Pele on Wednesday, despite their opponents playing with ten men for over half an hour.
Galo conceded twice in the opening seven minutes before pulling goals back through Paulinho and Gustavo Scarpa – however, Gabriel Milito‘s side could not find a winner despite enjoying a numerical advantage from the 55th minute onwards.
The visitors will now turn their attention back to the league, where they are unbeaten in their last four matches, drawing once and winning three, including a 2-1 victory over Corinthians.
Atletico Mineiro currently sit ninth in the Brasileiro table with 28 points from 18 games, and they will be aiming to break into the Copa Libertadores qualification places.
However, Sunday’s visitors have not won any of their last three away matches, including two in the league, and they will need to secure a first-ever victory at Estadio Heriberto Hulse to maintain their unbeaten Serie A run.
Criciuma Brasileiro form:
Atletico Mineiro Brasileiro form:
Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):
Team News
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Criciuma will be without Matheusinho, who is set to remain sidelined as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The hosts will also be unable to select Arthur Caike due to a thigh injury, and Eder as a result of physical discomfort, while Barreto is doubtful.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Fagundes is suspended for the home side after passing the yellow card threshold.
Brazilian duo Alisson and Everson are ruled out for the away side here through ankle and finger injuries respectively.
Mauricio Lemos and veteran Brazilian forward Hulk, will also miss out with muscle and calf issues respectively.
Lyanco was sent off in the win over Corinthians, which will see him suspended for Sunday’s clash.
Criciuma possible starting lineup:
Gustavo; Claudinho, Maia, Angel, Trauco; Araujo, Ronald, Mateus, Hermes; Bolasie, Allano
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Mendes; Fuchs, Battaglia, Alonso, Arana; Otavio, Vera, Scarpa, Bernard; Vargas, Paulinho
We say: Criciuma 1-1 Atletico Mineiro
Criciuma are unbeaten in their last six matches on home soil, and they have never lost at home against Sunday’s opposition – however, Atletico Mineiro have been in fine form lately, and while they might not be able to secure victory here, we think they will leave with something.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.