Atlético-MG vs Cuiabá Prediction: Atlético must win to get closer to the top 6

A club as big as Atlético Mineiro has to be present in South America's biggest competition, the Copa Libertadores. In Brazil, the top four teams have direct access to the cup, while the 5th and 6th in the table compete in the Copa Libertadores qualifiers. The Rooster is currently in 9th place, six points from the 6th place and eight points from the 4th place. A win against Cuiába puts Atlético close to its goal, and the fans will fill the new stadium to support their beloved team.

Atlético-MG

The win over Brasileirão leader Botafogo showed that the Rooster is becoming stronger. Even playing without Hulk, its best player, the team was solid, waiting for the right moment to score the winning goal through Paulinho in the 81st minute. The Miners are now playing at home for the second round in a row, and in case of victory, they could move closer to the teams at the top. Atlético is confident and will face a team that has never beaten the Mineiros in five meetings. In round 5, the Rooster won 4-0 in Cuiabá.

Expected opening lineup for Atlético-MG

Everson, Saravia, Lemos, Fuchs, Arana; Battaglia, Otávio, Pedrinho; Pavón, Paulinho, Hulk.

Cuiabá

The Dourado hasn't won for five games, its longest winless streak in the Brasileirão. The draw in the last round with América halted the four-game losing streak, but Cuiabá can't be satisfied with a home draw against the next-to-last placed team. This game in Belo Horizonte promises to be very difficult for António Oliveira's team. The Portuguese coach will not be on the bench since he got suspended. The Auriverde is in 10th place with 29 points, five behind Atlético, which has 34 points.

Expected opening lineup for Cuiabá

Walter; Matheus Alexandre, Empereur, Marllon, Rikelme; Denilson, Sobral, Raniele; Clayson, Wellington Silva, Deyverson.

Expert Betting Tips

Atlético Mineiro is the favorite for this game, but it's worth remembering that Cuiabá, despite its poor form, still has one of the best away records in the league. The most likely outcome, in my opinion, is a 1-0 or 2-0 win for the home team. These teams don't usually score or concede many goals. I will bet on a result with a total of goals under 2.5, which might be enough for the Rooster to win by a small margin and also can prevent an eventual surprise.