Preview: Atletico Goianiense vs. Avai - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts currently find themselves in the relegation zone after winning just once this season, while the visitors are only two points above being in that predicament as well.

Match preview

It has been a tough start to the season for Atletico Goianiense as they have only won a single game that took place against Coritiba towards the end of last month.

The squad have been unable to react to that as they have since drawn twice and lost once in all competitions, which is one of the reasons that they find themselves in the relegation zone.

Jorginho's team were defeated on Sunday against the current league leaders Corinthians, with Gustavo Mantuan scoring the only goal of the game.

Despite the struggles that Atletico Goianiense have gone through, the squad does remain only three points away from the relegation zone right now, giving them the chance to escape it with a victory.

Playing at home has also been something that has been in their favour as well this season as that is the only place they have picked up a victory in the league this season.

The visitors might be sat in 12th right now, but they have also struggled throughout this particular campaign as they have only won one-third of their matches so far in the Brasileiro.

Avai are without a victory in their previous four outings in the league though with a trio of draws being followed up by a draw in their most recent performance at the weekend.

The squad shared the points with Sao Paulo where they showcased their resilience as they fought back from behind due to a goal from Muriqui, which led to a 1-1 finish.

Right now there is just two points keeping them above the relegation zone, which is placing plenty of pressure on each performance at the moment.

Heading into this game Avai have not won a single away game so far this season, and they have only scored twice within those four matches, which is something for the squad to focus on.

Atletico Goianiense Brasileiro form:

Atletico Goianiense form (all competitions):

Avai Brasileiro form:

Team News

Jorginho saw his team put in an impressive defensive performance last weekend as they almost held Corinthians to a single goal, and because of that he could look to feature the same back four.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the field Diego Churin is likely to lead the line for Goianiense as a lone striker, while Gabriel Baralhas is still searching for his first goal of this campaign.

Douglas Friedrich remains an absentee for the visitors as he is still serving his suspension, which means there will be another opportunity for Vladimir to step in as the goalkeeper.

Jean Pyerre is also set to be missing for Avai due to injury, while Muriqui will be continuing to try and provide a goal threat from out wide as he showcased last weekend.

Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:

Ronaldo; Edson, Edson, Ramon, Jefferson; Freitas, Baralhas; Airton, Jorginho, Rato; Churin

Avai possible starting lineup:

Vladimir; Silva, Freitas, Chaves, Cortez; B. Silva, Raniele, Biasi; Feitosa, Muriqui, Bissoli

We say: Atletico Goianiense 1-2 Avai

Neither team is in good form heading into this match, and that is something that should provide for a tense encounter as they both need the points.

While Avai have not won a single game away from home this season, Thursday could prove to be the ideal time for them to turn that around.

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