Atlético Mineiro vs Mirassol – News and Probable Lineups

Atletico Mineiro is set to host Mirassol at Arena MRV on Saturday in a Brasileiro fixture, with both teams looking to translate their recent cup successes into improved league performances as the season progresses.

The hosts achieved a thrilling win to qualify for the Copa do Brasil in midweek, while the visitors also made it through in the competition. However, both clubs find themselves in the lower half of the Serie A table and feeling the pressure to gain momentum in the league.

Match overview

Atletico Mineiro approaches this match following an emotionally charged and exhausting battle against Ceara during the week, where Eduardo Dominguez’s team advanced to the Copa do Brasil round of 16 after a tense penalty shootout win in Fortaleza.

Everson was pivotal, making two saves during the shootout and converting the winning penalty himself, assisted by Kaua Pascini, who secured the penalties with a late goal in regular time, keeping Galo’s hopes alive in the tournament.

This victory surely provided a much-needed boost for Atletico, whose league play has not been very convincing thus far; the Belo Horizonte giants currently hold the 13th position in the Brasileiro standings with 18 points, just a point above the relegation zone as they head into round 16.

Atletico’s recent performance has been frustratingly erratic, as evidenced by their conceding a last-minute equalizer in a 1-1 stalemate against Botafogo last weekend, where they looked set to claim a crucial win at Arena MRV.

Dominguez has expressed his concerns about the team’s defensive vulnerability, especially in aerial duels, with Atletico having allowed goals in six consecutive Serie A encounters.

The transfer of club legend Hulk to Fluminense earlier this month has necessitated a tactical shift in their attacking approach, with Bernard, Cassierra, and Cuello now expected to take on greater creative responsibilities in the latter half of the season.

Positive signs have emerged at home, however, as Atletico has secured vital wins against Sao Paulo and Athletico-PR in recent fixtures. The club’s management is expecting a strong turnout at Arena MRV after lowering ticket prices to boost attendance.

Meanwhile, Mirassol arrives in Belo Horizonte buoyed by their recent Copa do Brasil qualification, which they secured during the week with a 2-1 triumph over Bragantino, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate win.

Tiquinho Soares netted his inaugural goal for the club in that match, while Edson Carioca maintained his compelling form with another crucial performance.

Despite their cup achievements, Mirassol is still in deep trouble in Serie A, positioned 18th with just 13 points after a challenging beginning to their campaign.

Rafael Guanaes’s squad has found it difficult to turn promising displays into consistent league results, although there have been recent encouraging signs, including a 2-1 victory against Corinthians and a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Chapecoense.

The visitors have exhibited attacking potential throughout the year; however, their defensive frailties continue to undermine their efforts, having conceded goals in all their away league games thus far this season.

Additionally, the taxing schedule has begun to take its toll physically, as Mirassol balances its Brasileiro commitments with Copa do Brasil and Libertadores obligations, although confidence within the squad has notably improved after back-to-back cup victories.

The earlier meeting between these two sides this season resulted in an exciting 2-2 draw at Maiao, highlighting how closely matched the teams are despite their differing ambitions for the season.

Team News

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Atletico Mineiro will be missing Patrick, Victor Hugo, and Indio due to injuries, while Dominguez continues to manage the fitness of several others in the wake of the taxing cup match against Ceara.

Cuello has returned to the squad following recovery from a calf issue and may feature prominently, while Cisse has also resumed full training after overcoming a thigh injury.

The hosts are anticipated to make selected rotations following Thursday’s exertions, but Everson should retain his place in goal after his outstanding cup performance.

On the other hand, Mirassol will travel without Andre Luis, Igor Formiga, Negueba, and Igor Carius, all of whom are unavailable due to injuries or suspensions.

Walter is expected to return in goal after a recent rest, while Alesson and Edson Carioca will be the primary attacking threats for the visitors, having both performed well against Bragantino.

Atletico Mineiro probable starting XI:

Everson; Nathanael, Ruan, Alonso, Lodi; Franco, Maycon, Bernard; Neck, Reinier, Cassierra

Mirassol probable starting XI:

Walter; Borges, Joao Victor, Oliveira, Reinaldo; MOURA, Aldo, Shaylon; Carioca, Alesson, Eduardo

Both teams will enter the match encouraged by their recent Copa do Brasil success, but Atletico’s superior individual quality and strong home support at Arena MRV could be pivotal in what promises to be a closely contested match.

Though Mirassol has demonstrated resilience recently, their ongoing defensive struggles away from home are hard to overlook, and the hosts may just have enough to secure a narrow but important victory.