Atletico Mineiro vs Vitoria – News and Probable Lineups

Atletico Mineiro will take on Vitoria at Arena MRV this Saturday during Round 25 of the Brazilian Championship, as the home side aims to leverage their home venue to improve their standing in the league.

The Galo come into this match after a midweek draw in the Copa do Brasil against Cruzeiro, while the visitors will be looking for a rebound after suffering yet another away defeat.

Match overview

Atletico Mineiro heads into the fixture sitting ninth in the standings, having accumulated 33 points from 23 matches, with a record of nine victories, six draws, and eight losses.

Cuca’s team was held to a 0-0 stalemate by Internacional in their latest Brasileirao encounter, continuing a somewhat erratic stretch that has seen them achieve three draws and two wins in their last five league fixtures.

They then shifted their focus to the Copa do Brasil, where Atletico finished in a 1-1 tie with Cruzeiro in the initial leg of their quarter-final contest on Wednesday. With the second leg yet to come, their attention returns to the league, where a favorable outcome could bring Galo closer to the places for continental qualification.

Playing at Arena MRV is expected to grant a significant advantage, as Atletico performs best when establishing possession in forward positions and maintaining pressure near the opponent’s penalty area, and they should have numerous chances to do so against a Vitória team that has faced notable struggles while playing away.

The hosts will also be motivated to make amends for their 2-0 loss to Vitoria in the earlier match at Barradao this season, given that recent head-to-head results have leaned in favor of the Bahia side, who have won twice and drawn twice in their last four encounters.

On the other hand, Vitoria travels to Belo Horizonte under pressure following a challenging series of league performances, as Jair Ventura’s team finds itself in 12th place with 29 points from 24 matches, which includes eight wins, five draws, and eleven defeats.

Recently, their form has been quite alarming, suffering four losses in their last five Brasileiro matches and securing only one win during that time.

That solitary victory occurred at home against Botafogo, highlighting the disconnect between Vitoria’s form at Barradao and their difficulties on the road.

The visitors also faced a 1-0 defeat to Vasco in the Copa do Brasil earlier this week, meaning they come into Saturday’s match having lost in two consecutive games.

Vitoria has conceded 35 goals in the league, and their challenges in picking up points while playing away have made their position in the standings increasingly tense; up against an Atletico side that can dominate territory at Arena MRV, Ventura’s squad might find themselves under sustained defensive pressure.

Team News

Atletico-MG continues to miss several players due to injuries, including Lyanco, Gustavo Scarpa, Leo Duarte, Hendel Indio, Patrick, and backup goalkeeper Robert.

With Lyanco out, Ruan Tressoldi and Victor Hugo are expected to form the central defensive pairing, along with Renan Lodi on the left and Saravia at right-back.

Alan Franco, Maycon, and Bernard are likely to anchor the midfield, while Tomas Cuello and Alan Minda are set to support Mateo Cassierra in the forward line.

Vitoria also has a list of absentees, with Diego Tarzia serving a suspension, while Gabriel Baralhas, Camutanga, Edu, Nathan Mendes, Dudu, and Anderson Pato are sidelined due to injuries.

Emanuel Britez and Caca should unite in central defence, with Luan Candido and Ramon rounding out the back four.

Emmanuel Martinez, Ze Vitor, and Matheuzinho are projected to operate in midfield, while Erick, Renato Kayzer, and Rene will spearhead the attack.

Atletico Mineiro probable starting XI:

Everson; Saravia, Tressoldi, Hugo, Lodi; Franco, Maycon, Bernard; Neck, Minda; Cassierra

Vitoria probable starting XI:

Archangel; Britez, Caca, Candido, Ramon; MARTINEZ, Ze Vitor, Matheuzinho; Erick, Kayzer, Rene

Atletico-MG’s advantage of playing at home and their superior attacking prowess render them clear favorites against a Vitoria side that has struggled to achieve consistent results away from home.

It is anticipated that the hosts will capitalize on their home advantage, as a victory would secure another crucial three points for Cuca’s team in their quest to climb the Serie A standings.