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

Atletico Mineiro will take on Porto Alegre's Internacional this week at the Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda.

Atletico are the side in form coming into this one and will look to make it three wins on the bounce for Cuca's men.

Match preview

Currently fifth in the Brasileiro with six points from their first three games, Galo have made a solid start to the new campaign.

Yet, head coach Cuca will be well aware that his side must keep up the momentum if they are to compete for honours this season.

Against Sao Paulo last time out, Atletico bested the visitors 1-0, with Jair Rodrigues Junior scoring the only goal of the game in the 17th minute.

Complementing an earlier win against Sport Recife, Cuca's men have done well to leave their opening defeat to Fortaleza in the past.

Internacional have blown hot and cold during the opening weeks of the Brasileiro, picking up a win, a defeat and a draw in their opening three games.

Currently 13th in the standings with four points under their belt, Inter come into this game looking eager to hike their way up the table.

Against Bahia last time out, Inter won the game by the skin of their teeth, with Edenilson's 31st-minute penalty carrying the team across the line despite Lucas Ribeiro seeing red just after half-time.

Head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez will hope his side can put in a slightly more convincing performance this week.

Internacional Brasileiro form:

Internacional form (all competitions):

Atletico Mineiro Brasileiro form:

Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):

Team News

Midfielder Matias Zaracho is unavailable for this tie due to COVID-19.

The only other absentee for Cuca is goalkeeper Rafael, who is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

Inter will be without Ribeiro, who was sent off during his side's narrow win over Bahia last time out.

Marcelo Lomba, Renzo Saravia, Rodrigo Dourado, Rodrigo Moledo and Gabriel Boschilia are all also unavailable due to sickness or injury.

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Brito; Da Fonseca, Otavio, Cuesta, Borges; Cardoso, Edenilson, Patrick; Taison, Alberto, Galhardo

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Everson; Guga, Rabello, Rever, Arana; Jair, Allan; Hyroan, Fernandez, Keno; Hulk

We say: Internacional 1-1 Atletico Mineiro

Not a lot separates these two sides on paper, and viewers could in for a cagey spectacle between a couple of evenly matched outfits. We think this one is bound to end in a stalemate.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.