Preview: Athletico Paranaense vs. Avai - prediction, team news, lineups

Off the back of defeats in their respective last league outings, both teams will be looking to bounce back this weekend.

Match preview

Athletico Paranaense were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Fluminense when the teams faced off at the Maracana on Sunday.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men found themselves with a mountain to climb following a brace from German Cano before Matheus Felipe halved the deficit late on.

Consequently, the Rubro-Negro have slipped to 12th place in the standings and are now outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Their next assignment comes against an opposing side who have lost only one of the last five meetings between the teams.

However, the aforementioned defeat came in the most recent encounter last June, when Sunday's hosts claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Avai saw their three-game unbeaten streak snapped following a 2-1 defeat against Juventude at the Aderbal Ramos da Silva Stadium on Sunday.

Eduardo Barroca's men fell behind to Oscar Ruiz's opener but drew level through Guilherme Bissoli shortly afterwards, only for Vitor Mendes to net a late winner.

Nonetheless, Leao da Ilha sit seventh in the league table having made a bright start to life in the top-flight since recently gaining promotion.

Sunday's visitors have, however, failed to win any of their nine away outings since the turn of the year, with their last win on the road coming back in December.

Athletico Paranaense Brasileiro form:

Athletico Paranaense form (all competitions):

Avai Brasileiro form:

Team News

Vitinho was hauled off on the stroke of half time in Athletico's last league outing, making the 23-year-old a doubt for this one.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian duo of Thiago Heleno and Julimar are yet to feature this term and are also unavailable for Sunday's game.

This weekend's visitors could have to make do with the absence of Mariqui, whose involvement currently hangs in the balance due to a minor injury.

With three goals in his last four appearances, Guilherme Bissoli has made a good start to life at Avai, and the forward is one to keep an eye on.

Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:

Krepski; Khellven, Henrique, Abner, Hernandez; Moura, Christian; Cuello, Terans, Canobbio, Pablo

Avai possible starting lineup:

Schuck; Kevin, Bressan, Arthur, Cortez; Silva, Raniele; Morato, Jacinto, Romulo; Bissoli

We say: Athletico Paranaense 2-1 Avai

Previews by email