Athletico Paranaense vs Atletico Mineiro – News and Probable Lineups

Athletico Paranaense aims to solidify their position in the Copa Libertadores as they take on Atletico Mineiro in the Brasileiro Serie A at the Estadio Mario Celso Petraglia in Curitiba on Thursday.

The home side currently sits in third place after 28 games, while their opponents are seventh, with only six points separating them—and both teams are eager for a favorable outcome for distinct purposes in their quest for continental competition.

Match overview

Athletico Paranaense has accrued 49 points from 28 league outings, achieving 14 wins, seven draws, and seven losses. They resumed competition post-September international break with a 2-1 triumph versus Bahia.

This result followed a thrilling 3-3 stalemate with Coritiba, marking two consecutive matches without a loss. The Furacao have generally proven challenging to defeat, suffering only one loss in their previous seven matches across all competitions, with three victories and three draws in that stretch.

Their home performances reflect their strength, as Athletico has lost just once in 14 league matches at Estadio Mario Celso Petraglia, winning nine of those and netting 25 goals while conceding only 11, resulting in 31 out of a possible 42 points at home.

Their home advantage has shown significant importance in this matchup, as Furacao remains unbeaten in their last three home encounters with Atletico Mineiro in all competitions, achieving two victories and one draw.

Nevertheless, Athletico Paranaense has faced defeats in their last two confrontations against Atletico Mineiro while playing away and will strive to change that narrative by capitalizing on their home advantage.

Galo has claimed victory in only four of their 14 away league fixtures this season, drawing two and succumbing to eight defeats, whilst tallying 13 goals and allowing 16, and they have not tasted victory in their last four away matches.

On the other hand, Atletico Mineiro’s recent form is encouraging, having defeated Red Bull Bragantino 1-0 at the Arena MRV in their last outing, with Bernard scoring the sole goal in the 18th minute, which extended Atletico’s unbeaten streak across all competitions to four matches.

That victory was preceded by a 1-1 draw against Chapecoense, and Atletico also secured a 3-1 win over Fluminense earlier in that period; however, all three of these games occurred at home.

To reduce the six-point gap between them and Athletico, they must replicate some of that home form on the road to contend for a better Libertadores position.

The visitors can draw confidence from their earlier matchup as they emerged victorious against Athletico 2-1 at the Arena MRV in April.

Team News

Athletico will miss centre-back Juan Aguirre, who is serving a suspension after accumulating his third yellow card against Bahia, while head coach Odair Hellmann is also barred and will not be on the sidelines, resulting in assistant Fabio Moreno taking charge.

Gaston Benavidez and Claudinho will also be unavailable due to injuries, whereas Joao Cruz returns from suspension and is expected to bolster the midfield.

Kevin Viveros, the Brasileiro’s top scorer with 18 goals, is likely to be evaluated due to his delayed return from Colombia.

If Viveros cannot feature from the start, Kerwin Vargas may operate as a false nine, a role he successfully fulfilled in the win against Bahia, providing two assists.

Atletico Mineiro will be without goalkeeper Everson, who is recovering from a foot injury, along with Gustavo Scarpa and Ruan, who are also unfit.

Vitor Hugo has been listed with a head injury; however, Eduardo Dominguez has defensive options like Lyanco and Leo Duarte available.

Gabriel Delfim is anticipated to continue in goal following his starting position in the 1-0 win over Bragantino, while Bernard, Fred, Maycon, and Tomas Cuello should keep their spots in the midfield.

Athletico Paranaense probable starting XI:

Mycael; Dantas, Dias, Teran; Gilberto, Gustavo, Jadson, Lucas Esquivel; Cruz, Mendoza; Viveros

Atletico Mineiro probable starting XI:

Gabriel Delfim; Nathanael, Lyanco, Duarte, Lodi; Cisse, Maycon; Tomas Cuello, Fred, Bernard; Reinier

Athletico’s strong home record provides a solid foundation, particularly against an Atletico team that has lost eight out of 14 of its away league matches.

The presence of Viveros could significantly influence the attacking capacity of the hosts, but with Cruz returning and Atletico missing several key players, the Furacao should have enough to secure a narrow win in a competitive fixture.