Two teams in the bottom half of the Brasileiro will meet on Sunday as Cuiaba welcome Internacional to the Arena Pantanal for their latest league fixture.
After a six-game run without a victory, the hosts were able to get back to winning ways in midweek, while the visitors head into this one in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten streak.
Match preview
© Reuters
Cuiaba have had a difficult start to their league campaign after picking up just seven points from the opening six games, in a period that has seen them only win twice.
A six-game run without a victory in all competitions did not help their confidence, but that was a streak that they were able to snap in midweek during their Copa Sudamericana tie.
A brace from Andre Luis proved to be enough to secure the 2-1 win against River Plate, which is something they will now be keen to follow up on this Sunday.
Unfortunately, playing at the Arena Pantanal has not given the squad any form of advantage yet this season, despite the fact that they have their home support.
Cuiaba are yet to win a game in the stadium this season, having only scored a single goal in those fixtures as well.
© Reuters
While the visitors do not boast a brilliant away record, having won just one of their three games on the road, they are coming into this one with a ton of momentum.
Internacional have enjoyed an undefeated run of nine games heading into this one, which is something the team shall be trying to push into double digits.
Midweek saw Edenilson score a brace to fire secure a 2-0 victory against Independiente Medellin, showcasing their abilities both offensively and defensively.
However, even though Internacional are performing well, Mano Menezes will be hoping to see his team create more victories after they have drawn half of their league matches so far.
A win on Sunday has the potential of seeing them climb into the top four, but because the league is so tight a defeat could also see them drop into the relegation zone.
- W
- L
- W
- D
- L
- L
- D
- L
- L
- L
- L
- W
- L
- W
- W
- D
- D
- D
- W
- D
- D
- D
- D
- W
Team News
© Reuters
The hosts are set to be without Jonathan Cafu in this fixture after he received a straight red card during their previous Brasileiro fixture, which is something they will need to be prepared for.
However, after picking up a much-needed victory in midweek, there is going to be a headache for William Araujo de Souza as he had made wholesale changes to his starting XI for that one.
Internacional did not make as many changes in midweek, and the decision to push through with consistency is something that could end up helping them this weekend.
Edenilson will continue to be a major attacking threat from midfield, and the two goals he scored in their previous match should help his confidence.
Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Lucas, Marllon, Pauloa, Uendel; Marcao, Pepe; Alesson, Luis, Marques; Brito
Internacional possible starting lineup:
Daniel; Bustos, Vitao, Mendez, Rene; Edenilson, Dourado, De Pena, Wamberto; Patrick; David
We say: Cuiaba 1-2 Internacional
After picking up a victory in midweek Cuiaba will be keen to build together a run in a big to establish some confidence to climb up the league table.
Unfortunately, they are coming up against one of the most in-form teams in the division, and Internacional should be able to continue that this weekend.
For additional data used by our team to analyse our suggested result please click here.
