Preview: Goias vs. Internacional - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are unbeaten in each of their last four home matches, while the visitors will be looking to extend their unbeaten away run to six games.

Match preview

Goias played out a 1-1 draw at home against Ceara on Sunday, their third league draw by the same scoreline in their last four matches.

Pedro Raul scored his sixth goal of the season to rescue a point for the hosts with a penalty in the 85th minute, cancelling out a 17th-minute opener from Stiven Mendoza.

Jair Ventura's men have put together an impressive run of form across all competitions, losing only one of their last nine matches and scoring on eight of those occasions.

The Big Green currently sit 13th in the Brasileiro Serie A table, just two points above the relegation zone and four points behind Thursday's opponents Internacional in fourth.

Goias may be the underdogs heading into their clash with The Red, but they have won each of their last three top-flight home meetings against them.

Internacional extended their unbeaten run across all tournaments to 10 matches when they secured a 3-1 home victory against Flamengo on Saturday.

A brace from winger Wanderson gave The Red a two-goal lead after 22 minutes before Manchester United loanee Andreas Pereira pulled one back for the visitors in the 58th minute. The hosts then wrapped up the three points when Pedro Henrique converted from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

With four wins, six draws and only one defeat from their first 11 Brasileiro Serie A matches, Internacional are currently seven points and 11 places better off than at this stage last season.

Mano Menezes's side are now preparing to face three newly-promoted teams in a row, with Thursday's clash with Goias to be followed by games against Botafogo and Coritiba.

Since losing their opening league game of the season 2-0 away at reigning champions Atletico Mineiro, Internacional have claimed nine points from a five-game unbeaten away run. Victory on Thursday would be their first away against Goias in the top flight since August 2014.

Goias Brasileiro form:

Goias form (all competitions):

Internacional Brasileiro form:

Internacional form (all competitions):

Team News

Goias trio Matheus Santos, Luiz Filipe and Hugo are all ruled out with knee injuries, with the former two set for lengthy spells on the sidelines, while Diego is still suffering with a muscle problem.

Sidnei, Reynaldo and Caetano are all set to continue in the back three, shielding goalkeeper Tadeu, while Maguinho and Danilo Barcelos could continue as wing-backs.

Pedro Raul and Elvis, who have scored 10 of Goias' 12 league goals so far this term, are expected to start in attack and could be joined by either Vinicius Silva or Dada Belmonte.

As for Internacional, Aston Villa loanee Wesley is doubtful with a fever, while Bruno Gomes and Gabriel Boschilia are suffering with respective elbow and knee injuries.

The visitors are able to welcome back Edenilson from suspension and the 32-year-old is set to replace Rodrigo Dourado on the right side of midfield.

Alan Patrick is expected to operate in the number 10 role behind central striker David, while Wanderson and Henrique will be battling to start on the left flank.

Goias possible starting lineup:

Tadeu; Sidnei, Reynaldo, Caetano; Maguinho, Sales, C. Vinicius, Danilo; Elvis, Raul, V. Silva

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Daniel; Bustos, Mercado, Vitao, Rene; Edenilson, Gabriel, De Pena, Wanderson; Patrick; David

We say: Goias 1-2 Internacional

A closely-fought contest is set to be played out on Thursday between two teams in buoyant mood and both will fancy their chances of claiming maximum points.

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