Atletico Mineiro will host Gremio in a rescheduled Gameweek 6 fixture on Thursday at the Arena MRV. This mid-table clash sees Mineiro in 10th place with 37 points, while Gremio sits just behind them with 35 points but has played one more match.
Atletico Mineiro’s Recent Form
After finishing third last season, Atletico Mineiro’s top-four hopes are slim this term, as they trail fourth-placed Flamengo by 14 points. They are currently sitting with nine wins, 10 draws, and eight losses after 27 games. Their most recent game was an entertaining 2-2 draw against Vitoria.
Despite their inconsistent league form, Mineiro is enjoying a successful cup season. They have reached the semi-finals of both the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil, keeping their chances alive for silverware.
Gremio’s Recent Form
Gremio has bounced back into mid-table and is targeting a spot in the Copa Sudamericana next season. Despite being displaced from their home stadium for a large part of the season due to severe flooding, they recently secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Fortaleza.
On the road, Gremio is unbeaten in their last five away games, picking up 11 points. When these two teams met in September, Atletico Mineiro won 3-2 in a thrilling encounter where all five goals came in the last 15 minutes.
Team News
Atletico Mineiro:
Gabriel Milito will have to cope without several key players, as Junior Alonso, Eduardo Vargas, and Alan Franco are away on international duty. Additionally, first-choice goalkeeper Everson is suspended due to a red card in the previous game. Hulk and Paulinho, the team’s leading scorers, will be available for the match.
Gremio:
Gremio will also feel the impact of the international break, as Yeferson Soteldo and Mathias Villasanti are away with their national teams. Joao Pedro and Fabio da Silva are suspended, and Gustavo Martins and Andre Henrique are out with injuries. However, the likes of Martin Braithwaite and Alexander Aravena are expected to lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Atletico Mineiro:
Mendes; Saravia, Battaglia, Lyanco, Rubens; Scarpa, Otavio, Vera, Gomes; Paulinho, Hulk
Gremio:
Marchesin; Schlemper, Jemerson, Kannemann, Reinaldo; Dodi, Pepe, Edenilson; Cristaldo, Braithwaite, Aravena
Prediction
Atletico Mineiro may have the home advantage, but Gremio’s recent solid away form suggests they’ll be tough to beat. Both teams are missing key players, which could make for an even contest. A high-scoring draw seems likely.
Prediction: Atletico Mineiro 2-2 Gremio
