Sports Mole previews Thursday’s Brasileiro clash between Internacional and Atletico Mineiro, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Internacional will be looking to win three Serie A matches in a row for the first time this season when they host Atletico Mineiro at Estadio Beira-Rio on Thursday.
While the hosts are on a winning run, the visitors have failed to win any of their last three matches heading into this fixture.
Match preview
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Internacional appear to have rediscovered their rhythm, winning two successive Serie A matches for the second time this season with a 1-0 victory over city rivals Gremio.
Colorado, who have now kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, have climbed to seventh place in the table, having picked up 17 points from nine matches.
Eduardo Coudet‘s men have played two fewer games than all the teams above them and are seven points behind leaders Flamengo. A win on Thursday could see them break into the top five depending on other results.
With two wins and two draws, Internacional are unbeaten at home, but Coudet would hope his side can convert those draws into wins if their ambition is to win another Serie A title since 1979.
Colorado’s recent record in this fixture has been dismal, with just one win and five defeats in their last six encounters. They have also failed to score in the last two meetings while conceding four goals.
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Atletico Mineiro have struggled for consistency this season, recording the joint-most draws in the league so far.
However, things have gone from bad to worse in the last three games. They lost back-to-back matches against Palmeiras and Vitoria before a 1-1 draw with Fortaleza last time out.
Gabriel Milito‘s side, who finished third last season, are currently in 10th place with 14 points after 10 matches. Defensive fragility has been the major issue for Galo, having conceded in each of their six league matches.
Atletico Mineiro will hope they can continue their dominance in this fixture despite the hosts being in better form. The visitors will be encouraged by their results away from home, where they have picked up more points than on home soil.
Internacional Brasileiro form:
Internacional form (all competitions):
Atletico Mineiro Brasileiro form:
Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):
Team News
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Internacional will be without a number of stars due to international assignments, including Rafael Santos Borre, Sergio Rochet and former West Ham United man Enner Valencia.
Mauricio and Ivan are sidelined with knee issues while Lucca will miss this clash due to a thigh injury.
Fabricio Bustos and Fernando are suspended after picking up an unhealthy number of yellow cards.
The visitors will remain without Alan Franco, Guilherme Arana and Eduardo Vargas, who are all with their countries for the Copa America.
Otavio and Rubens will also be unavailable due to injury issues that will keep both out of the side until late July, while Hulk is doubtful.
Internacional possible starting lineup:
Fabricio; Bustos, Vitao, Fernando, Renan; Henrique, Patrick, Maia; Wesley, Wanderson, Alario
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Lemos, Fuchs, Rabello; Scarpa, Zaracho, Gomes, Battaglia, Saravia; Amaral, Paulinho
We say: Internacional 1-0 Atletico Mineiro
Internacional have been defensively solid in recent weeks, which has helped them secure important victories. Coming up against an Atletico Mineiro side that have struggled for goals, this could be the difference. We are backing the hosts to nick this one at the end.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.