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

Despite exiting the Copa do Brasil in midweek, either side have been faring well in Serie A lately - but the hosts have now lost back-to-back matches.

Match preview

As momentum builds behind their defence of the Brasileiro title, Atletico Mineiro were back within touching distance of top spot when they hosted Sao Paulo last weekend, at Mineirao.

Sitting two points behind leaders Palmeiras before kickoff, Atletico could not break down Rogerio Ceni's side, but even a goalless home draw leaves them fourth in the Serie A standings, in which the top six are separated by just three points.

Galo have now picked up points from six straight league outings since their spectacular 5-3 defeat at Fluminense last month, but were unable to progress to the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals on Thursday, as they fell to a 2-0 second-leg loss against Flamengo.

Having held a one-goal advantage from the clubs' first encounter, Antonio Mohamed's men will be deeply disappointed to exit the cup at the last-16 stage, but they do still have the Copa Libertadores quarters to look forward to next month.

Before that all-Brazilian clash with Palmeiras, Atletico must refocus on matters in the league, as even if last year's domestic double cannot now be repeated, the Belo Horizonte side can still aim to pair a second successive Serie A triumph with their second-ever Libertadores crown.

A recent run of three wins from four matches had seemed to shift momentum behind Botafogo's comeback campaign, as they attempt to re-establish themselves in the top flight; however, successive setbacks in the last week have brought that surge to a halt.

The Serie B champions followed last Sunday's league loss to Cuiaba with defeat in the Copa do Brasil; a 5-0 aggregate scoreline in favour of America Mineiro seeing them eliminated in the last 16.

Before they tackle America's city rivals this weekend, Luis Castro's side must resolve a crisis of confidence in front of goal, as they have scored just once across their last five outings - in a 1-0 away win over Bragantino.

The distance between Botafogo and the relegation zone has now narrowed to just three points in the closely-packed Serie A standings, and having won only once from the last five attempts at their Rio de Janeiro home, pressure is building on Castro and company to produce.

Indeed, an average of just a point per game at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos makes grim reading for Fogo's Portuguese head coach ahead of Atletico's visit.

Botafogo Brasileiro form:

Botafogo form (all competitions):

Atletico Mineiro Brasileiro form:

Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):

Team News

The never-ending cycle of injuries which has plagued Luis Castro since his arrival in Rio continues, as the Botafogo coach was without nine players in midweek, each of whom were consigned to the club's medical department.

Another casualty has joined them, as midfielder Patrick de Paula sustained a thigh injury and was replaced in the first half of Thursday's loss to America-MG.

Rafael (Achilles) and Kayque are among those set to miss out on Sunday, and it has been a month since the latter scored Fogo's most recent goal at home, against Sao Paulo.

Though left-back Fernando Marcal has now signed until the end of 2023, having played for two seasons at Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers, he is not eligible to feature until the transfer window opens next week.

Meanwhile, Atletico manager Antonio Mohamed apparently finds his position under threat after consecutive matches without scoring, so will be keen to get his forwards firing again this weekend.

Veteran striker Hulk is set to lead the line again, though, with Mohamed's fellow Argentine Matias Zaracho providing support.

Keno, with a thigh problem, and Dodo (COVID-19) are expected to be the visitors' only absentees.

Botafogo possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Cuesta, Sampaio, Carli; Saravia, Del Piage, De Paula, Cruz; Piazon, Fernandes; Erison

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Everson; Mariano, Natan, Alonso, Arana; Jair, Allan; Zaracho, Fernandez, Vargas; Hulk

We say: Botafogo 1-2 Atletico Mineiro

Botafogo's availability issues, allied to their struggles in the final third, make Atletico a far more settled unit ahead of Sunday's game.

Therefore, expect the champions to overcome their promoted rivals; keeping the pressure up on future Libertadores opponents Palmeiras at the top.

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