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

Internacional and Atletico Mineiro face off this Saturday at Beira-Rio, in the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship, with the hosts looking to end a seven-game winless streak in the league.

Inter are 16th with 24 points, just one point above the relegation zone, while the visitors occupy eighth place with 32 points and have a game in hand, with victory in Porto Alegre likely moving them closer to the top six.

Match preview

Internacional head into the game under significant pressure, particularly because they have struggled to turn promising performances into victories.

Against Remo last weekend, they opened the scoring early and created opportunities to extend their advantage, only to concede a late equaliser and settle for another draw.

The result extended a frustrating run in which Inter's attacking output has failed to produce enough points, having scored just four goals across their last seven Brasileirao matches.

There have at least been signs of improvement defensively, as Internacional have drawn with Flamengo, Palmeiras and Remo in their last three league games, conceding only twice during that period, though their lack of cutting edge at the other end remains a major concern.

Their home record has also been underwhelming, with Inter winning only three of their 12 league matches at Beira-Rio, making it increasingly difficult for them to take control of games against opponents willing to sit deep and attack on the counter.

The victory over Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil demonstrated that the team are capable of producing when the pressure is at its highest, and now Paulo Pezzolano's side will need to combine that competitiveness with greater attacking efficiency and concentration until the final whistle on Saturday.

Atletico-MG, meanwhile, arrive in considerably better form, having gone unbeaten in their last five Brasileirão matches while also progressing in the cup competitions.

Galo produced one of their most complete performances of the season in their last league outing, beating Gremio 3-0 in a dominant display that combined attacking pressure with defensive control.

Their subsequent Copa Sudamericana clash with Bragantino was considerably more difficult, drawing 2-2 on the night but advancing on aggregate, as they spent long periods under pressure before eventually finding the decisive goal in stoppage time.

That contrast has been a feature of Atletico's recent run, though Eduardo Dominguez's side have continued to find ways to get results even when they are not at their best, despite occasionally struggling when opponents force them deep and prevent them from controlling possession.

The demanding schedule could also play a role in Porto Alegre, as the visitors have had to balance their league campaign with commitments in the Copa Sudamericana and Copa do Brasil, giving Internacional a potential advantage in terms of freshness.

Nevertheless, Galo arrive with confidence and could benefit from a more reactive approach if Inter are forced to take greater risks in search of a much-needed victory.

Internacional Brasileiro form:

Internacional form (all competitions):

Atletico Mineiro Brasileiro form:

Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):

Team News

Internacional will be without Matheus Bahia, who is suspended after picking up his third yellow card against Remo, while Victor Gabriel remains unavailable following a decision by the STJD.

Pezzolano is expected to restore Alexandro Bernabei on the left, with Vitinho operating on the opposite flank and Bruno Gomes completing a three-man defence alongside Guillermo Maripan and Gabriel Mercado.

Sergio Rochet remains unavailable following surgery to correct a herniated disc, meaning Matheus Cunha should continue in goal.

Mercado, Rodrigo Villagra and Thiago Maia are all available again, giving Pezzolano additional options in defence and midfield.

Niclas Eliasson has now been registered, but his limited time with the squad means he is expected to begin on the bench, while Kayky continues to recover from surgery on his right ankle.

Atletico-MG remain without Lyanco, who is recovering from a ruptured plantar fascia in his left foot, while Leo Duarte, Gustavo Scarpa, Indio and Igor Gomes are also continuing their respective recoveries.

Vitao and Patrick have been cleared by the medical department, although Patrick is still building up his fitness after a lengthy absence, while Angelo Preciado is suspended, with Natanael expected to deputise at right-back.

Kevin Castano made his debut last weekend and could receive further minutes, although Alan Franco remains the favourite to start alongside Maycon in midfield.

Fred has returned to training and declared himself fit, but his involvement depends on his registration being completed, and in attack, Reinier and Mateo Cassierra are competing for the central striker role.

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Cunha; Gomes, Maripan, Mercado; Vitinho, Villagra, Henrique, Bernabei; Carbonero, Patrick; Alerrandro

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:

Everson; Natanael, Tressoldi, Hugo, Lodi; Franco, Maycon; Cuello, Hugo, Bernard; Cassierra

We say: Internacional 1-1 Atletico Mineiro

Internacional should take the initiative at Beira-Rio, but their recent struggles in front of goal could once again prevent them from turning possession and territorial pressure into a winning position.

The hosts' need for points could also leave spaces for an Atletico side that has looked more efficient in transition and arrives in considerably better form.

Galo's demanding schedule could limit their intensity over 90 minutes, however, while Inter's improved defensive record should make this a difficult game for the visitors to win.

We expect a competitive, low-scoring encounter in Porto Alegre, with the two sides ultimately sharing the points.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.