Preview: Atletico Mineiro vs. Palmeiras - prediction, team news, lineups

Atletico Mineiro dispatched Ecuadorian side Emelec to reach this stage, while Palmeiras got the better of Sao Paulo.

Match preview

After winning Brazil's top tier for the first time in 50 years last season, as well as lifting the main domestic cup in a historic campaign, Atletico Mineiro remain on course to triumph in South America's main continental competition for only the second ever time.

Indeed, Galo were victorious in the Copa Libertadores in 2013, when they defeated Paraguayan side Olimpia on penalties after a 2-2 draw across two legs.

Cuca, who is back in charge of the club after ending his second spell at the club at the end of 2021, was manager for that incredible success, too, and has the chance to further cement his legendary status at the club by winning it for a second time this season.

Domestically, retaining the title looks unlikely, with league leaders Palmeiras 10 points ahead of them in the table. This only heightens the need for Atletico Mineiro to remain in the Copa Libertadores, with a first leg win against the potential league champions on Thursday surely a necessity if they are to do so.

Having won the Copa Libertadores in each of the last two seasons, though, league leaders Palmeiras will clearly be a very tough nut to crack across two legs.

Former Braga boss Abel Ferreira has worked wonders since joining the Brazilian giants in 2020, twice winning the Copa Libertadores, reaching the World Club Cup final as well as lifting Copa do Brasil in 2020, too.

All that evades him, then, is the domestic championship which, with a four-point gap to second-placed Corinthians after 20 matches, Palmeiras are in an excellent position to win this season even though there is still much work to be done on that front.

However, no club has triumphed three times running in the Copa Libertadores since Argentinian side Club Atletico Independiente in the early 1970's, so the 43-year-old could be forgiven for prioritising this competition for a place in the history books.

Atletico Mineiro Copa Libertadores form:

Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):

Palmeiras Copa Libertadores form:

Palmeiras form (all competitions):

Team News

Atletico Mineiro do not appear to have any injury concerns ahead of Thursday's clash, boosting their chances of gaining a first leg lead to protect away from home.

Matias Zaracho and Igor Rabello could return to the starting XI having missed out on featuring in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Internacional, with Hulk leading the line.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, will travel without Henri as the centre-back continues to recover from his tibia and fibula fracture, while forward Rony is a doubt due to a muscle strain.

Vanderlan could replace Joaquin Piquerez in Ferreira's only change from his side's 2-1 win away to Ceara on Saturday.

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Everson; Mariano, Rabello, Alonso, Arana; Jair, Allan; Zaracho, Hernandez, Keno; Hulk

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:

Weverton; Rocha, Gomez, Cerqueira, Vanderlan; Danilo, Ze Rafael; Scarpa, Veiga, Dudu; Lopez

We say: Atletico Mineiro 1-2 Palmeiras

There is little doubt which team heads into this clash in superior form, with Palmeiras seriously on a roll at the moment.

The 2020 and 2021 Copa Libertadores champions will be highly motivated to retain their title once again, even if the hosts represent dangerous opposition on their day, especially with Cuca back at the helm.

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