The 431st edition of the Mineiro Derby will take place in Serie A round No 13 this weekend. Atletico MG will host America MG, as the teams fight to move up the table.
It hasn’t been a good start to the season for America. The team is 19th in the standings and four points from relegation safety.
America lost their last two Serie A games and confidence appears low ahead of the visit to Atletico MG.
Atletico are 10th in the standings after 12 matches. They took 19 points and are just three points off the top four.
A win for Atletico over their rival could send them into the top-four places.
The teams met three times previously this season in the State Tournament phase of the campaign.
Atletico MG went unbeaten in all three games, winning twice and drawing once. All three games saw 2.0 goals or more.
Atletico will play the fixture at home where they are unbeaten in four straight games.
The Roosters have a home record of two wins, two draws, and one loss. They outscored their five home opponents 7-5.
America MG are Serie A’s joint-worst away team this season. They took one point from five games and are on a two-game losing streak. The Rabbits were outscored 13-5 in their five matches on the road.
Manager Vagner Mancini has a few injury concerns going into round No 13. Adyson is unlikely to play due to a knee injury. Dada Belmonte is also expected to sit out the fixture.
Midfielder Matheusinho developed an edema in his knee and will likely miss the match.
America are led in goals by the duo of Aloisio and Danilo Avelar. The pair have recorded three goals apiece.
Atletico are managed by former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. He will be without forward Alan Kardec following a hernia. Defender Mauricio Lemos could return in time to the team following a muscle issue.
Veteran centre-forward Hulk leads Atletico in goals with five this season. Left-winger Paulinho has three goals. Scolari has a talented front three of Hulk, Paulinho, and Cristian Pavon.
Paulinho is on loan from Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen. His contract with the German club expires this week. It is believed Paulinho will sign a permanent deal with Atletico upon the contract’s end.
Atletico should post a narrow 2-1 win over America at home. The win will see Atletico move to four games unbeaten against America this season in all competitions.