Thursday's Brasileiro predictions including Palmeiras vs. Atletico Mineiro

Palmeiras vs. Atletico Mineiro (Thursday, 11.00pm)

Seeking to avoid a fourth successive Brasileiro defeat, reigning champions Palmeiras play host to Atletico Mineiro at Allianz Parque on Thursday.

The visitors are also looking to bounce back from defeat last time out as they endeavour to win their first encounter with Palmeiras since August 2021.

We say: Palmeiras 1-1 Atletico Mineiro

There has been little to separate Palmeiras and Atletico Mineiro in recent meetings, with no more than one goal scored in five of the last seven head-to-heads, and another tight affair could be in store on Thursday.

Both teams will be desperate to return to winning ways and boost their chances of securing a top-four finish, but with neither side firing on all cylinders, they may have to settle for a share of the spoils in Sao Paulo.

Cruzeiro vs. Flamengo (Thursday, 11.00pm)

Two of the Brasileiro's recent draw specialists will come to blows on Thursday evening, as Cruzeiro welcome Flamengo to the Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto.

Ze Ricardo's side held Cuiaba to a goalless stalemate last time out, while their visitors - who are beginning a new era under ex-Brazil boss Tite - also gleaned a single point from a 1-1 draw with Corinthians.

We say: Cruzeiro 0-1 Flamengo

Even with the possibility of the new manager bounce coming into effect for Flamengo, international call-ups have left Tite short of goal threats in midfield, and Cruzeiro are hardly ever breached at will on their own turf.

However, the hosts have been lacking a clinical edge in front of the home crowd all season long, and Flamengo's defence should have no trouble containing the shot-shy Cruzeiro attack while nicking a goal or two at the other end to begin the Tite era in positive fashion.

Santos vs. Bragantino (Friday, 12.00am)

Santos play host to Bragantino on Thursday evening looking for a fourth win in succession to move them further clear of the Brasileiro relegation zone.

At a time when the home side are bidding to remain in the top flight, the visitors sit in second place in the standings, nine points adrift of leaders Botafogo.

We say: Santos 1-2 Bragantino

As the only team on a three-match winning streak in the division, Santos will be respected ahead of this contest. Nevertheless, we expect the consistency of the visitors to ultimately prevail in a match that may be decided during the closing stages.

Fluminense vs. Corinthians (Friday, 1.30am)

Two Brasileiro teams seeking to return to winning ways do battle at the Maracana on Thursday night as Fluminense play host to Corinthians.

While the home side are hoping to avoid suffering a third successive defeat, the visitors have failed to win any of their last four matches in all competitions.

We say: Fluminense 2-2 Corinthians

An entertaining contest could be in store between two teams who are desperate to turn their fortunes around and build a strong run of form heading into the closing stages of the campaign.

Both sides have the potential to cause problems in the final third, but with little to separate them, a score draw could be on the cards in Rio de Janeiro.