Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo – News and Probable Lineups

This Sunday, Atletico Mineiro will face Botafogo at Arena MRV in a key matchup as both teams find themselves level on points in the middle of the Brasileiro standings.

The emotional farewell of Hulk to the Atletico supporters adds significance to this fixture, with both teams eager to revitalize their efforts to break into the top six following their recent inconsistent performances.

Match overview

This match in Belo Horizonte will signify the end of an era for Atletico Mineiro as club icon Hulk prepares to bid farewell to the fans before transitioning to Fluminense after the Club World Cup.

The 39-year-old leaves Atletico following a remarkable five-year spell during which he netted 140 goals and provided 55 assists in 309 matches, playing a pivotal role in the club’s Brasileiro and Copa do Brasil double in 2021.

Despite the emotional atmosphere surrounding his departure, head coach Eduardo Dominguez will be keen to remain focused as Atletico strives for stability in their league performance.

Atletico managed to break a three-match losing streak in the Brasileiro last weekend with a solid 3-1 victory over Cruzeiro in the Mineiro derby. Alan Minda, Maycon, and Mateo Cassierra all scored in an explosive counter-attacking display, while Kaio Jorge netted a late consolation for Cruzeiro.

This win propelled Atletico to 11th place, equal on points with Botafogo, and showcased the effectiveness of Dominguez’s direct transition style.

Nonetheless, Atletico’s overall form is still shaky, having lost three of their last five league encounters, while they faced setbacks in the Copa Sudamericana midweek after squandering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against Juventud.

That result placed significant pressure on the Brazilian side in Group B, leaving the players’ confidence somewhat fragile despite their recent derby victory.

Still, Arena MRV has generally been a stronghold for Atletico this season, with the club winning half of their home league fixtures, contrasting with a mere 25% success away from their ground. They will hope that the emotional atmosphere surrounding Hulk’s farewell can enhance their performance.

Botafogo, on the other hand, approaches the fixture with a sense of calm after securing their position in the Copa Libertadores knockout playoffs in midweek.

Franclim Carvalho’s squad triumphed 2-1 over Racing Club, thanks to an own goal from Marco Di Cesare and a strike from Danilo, creating a six-point buffer over the Argentine side in their group.

This continental victory helped ease some frustration stemming from a disappointing home loss to Remo in the Brasileiro last weekend, which had prevented Botafogo from closing in on the top five.

Currently, the Rio club is six points behind fifth-placed Athletico-PR, indicating that further work is required to re-enter the Copa Libertadores qualification race.

One significant advantage for Botafogo has been their away form, having claimed victory in three of their last four Brasileiro matches away from Nilton Santos, and they currently possess one of the strongest away records in the division, averaging nearly two goals per game on the road.

Their speed in offensive transitions, personified by Matheus Martins and Montoro, may pose a threat to an Atletico defense that has conceded goals in 10 consecutive matches across all competitions.

Visitors will gain confidence from Atletico’s defensive frailties, particularly with head coach Dominguez missing several key players in central areas.

Team News

Atletico Mineiro will be without the suspended duo of Lyanco and Alan Franco for Sunday’s match after both received disciplinary bans during the derby win over Cruzeiro.

Hulk has already terminated his contract and will not play, though he is expected to attend Arena MRV for a farewell ceremony prior to kickoff.

Eduardo Dominguez is awaiting updates on the fitness of Cisse, Victor Hugo, and Cuello, all of whom are still on the injury list but could return depending on their condition following the final training session.

Maycon and Alan Minda are anticipated to retain their starting spots following solid performances in the derby win, while Mateo Cassierra is likely to lead the attack once more.

Botafogo, conversely, will miss Alexander Barboza, who is close to a transfer to Palmeiras and is not expected to play again for the club in the Brasileiro.

Junior Santos is also unlikely to appear against his parent club due to a fee Botafogo would need to pay to use him.

Vitinho is unavailable due to suspension from yellow card accumulation, while Arthur Cabral is expected to continue leading the attack after another impressive showing in the Libertadores win over Racing.

Atletico Mineiro probable starting XI:

Everson; Ruan, Vitor Hugo, Alonso; Nathanael, Perez, Maycon, Lodi; Minda, Bernard; Cassierra

Botafogo probable starting XI:

Raul; Ponte, Bastos, Ferraresi, Telles; Allan, Danilo; Montoro, Edenilson, Martins; Cabral

Both teams come in with morale boosted from significant recent victories, yet neither has displayed the necessary consistency to give full confidence in recent weeks.

Atletico’s defensive issues continue to undermine their efforts despite indications of attacking improvement under Dominguez, while Botafogo’s solid away form suggests they could capitalize on the gaps that are likely to appear at Arena MRV.

Given the teams’ balance and the emotional backdrop of Hulk’s farewell, a competitive draw seems the most probable outcome.