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

Atletico Mineiro's impressive start to the campaign could continue this weekend when they welcome an under-performing Santos side.

Scratching around in mid-table, Santos will be looking to use Saturday's clash as a chance to kick-start their season.

Match preview

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Starting the season with four games unbeaten, Mineiro's form may have dropped off in recent weeks, yet they still remain in the hunt for a Copa Libertadores berth.

Sitting fourth in the table, Mineiro have enjoyed a consistent start to the season, winning four games, drawing four and losing just two,

Only three teams in the division have lost fewer games than Mineiro, yet no side in the top half have conceded more goals, meaning there is still plenty of work to do for the Alvinegro.

Traditionally a powerhouse in Brazilian football, Santos' stuttering form is a cause for concern, as they enter the weekend winless from their last five Serie A matches.

Granted, the majority of those results have been drawn, but frustrating defeats to the likes of Goias have stunted their progression.

With plenty of time for Santos to turn their form around, Santos will enter the weekend looking for their first victory away from home this season.

History suggests that will not be an easy task for Santos, as they have won just one of their last 16 visits to Mineiro.

Their only victory away to Mineiro since August 2007 came in July 2017, with Santos hoping to buck that trend on Saturday.

Team News

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Mineiro's hopes of squeezing into the Copa Libertadores will depend on the fitness of their key players, as they are currently negotiating a nasty injury crisis.

A broken foot will keep Iago Maidana out of action, whereas Orlando Berrio, Paulinho Boia and Juan Pablo Ramirez are all nursing muscle problems.

Similarly, Santos are also struggling with some injury problems, as Angelo Borges is set to sit out the next couple of fixtures.

Nearing his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament problem, Kevin Malthus is expected to return before the end of the month, with Santos likely to take it easy on the midfielder's return.

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Everson; Mariano. Natan, Alonso, Rubens; Ademir, Allan, Jair, Fernandez; Hulk, Sasha

Santos possible starting lineup:

Paulo; Madson, Maicon, Eduardo, Pires; Frenandez, Zanocelo; Baptistao, Goulart, Braga; Angulo

We say: Atletico Mineiro 2-0 Santos

Santos must find an improvement in form and quickly if they wish to challenge higher up the table this season.

Unlikely to threaten Mineiro's chances of a victory this weekend, expect the hosts to take a straightforward victory on Saturday.

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