Atletico Mineiro return to Brasileiro action this Sunday after three consecutive cup matches, looking to continue their good start to the domestic campaign, currently sitting fourth after seven matches.
Avai travel to the Estadio Raimundo Sampaio this weekend, aiming to bounce back after consecutive defeats, which has left them occupying 10th spot in the league.
Match preview
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Antonio Mohamed's side tasted defeat in the Copa Libertadores for the first time in this campaign last time out, falling to a 2-1 loss against Colombian outfit Tolima by allowing Steven Lucumi to net a 92nd-minute winner.
However, Mineiro can put that result behind them straight away as they had already qualified for the knockout stages of that competition, winning Group D on goal difference and with focus now turning back to the league.
Sunday's hosts have not had an outing in the Brasileiro since 14 May, when an own goal from Marlon Freitas and a second-half strike from Hulk secured a 2-0 win against Atletico Goianiense.
Mohamed's team are just two points off the top meaning that victory this weekend could potentially lift Mineiro to the summit of the division, but just as easily, defeat could see the side drop to mid table, with only two points separating 10 teams.
After winning the title for the first time in 50 years last season, there is an expectation on Mineiro to remain among the top positions in the Brasileiro, emphasising the importance of the hosts continuing their positive start to this campaign.
In comparison, Avai FC are not looking to aim as high having just earned promotion back to the top flight after two seasons in the second tier, with survival the main aim for Eduardo Barroca's side.
They have made a good start to the campaign in that respect, collecting 10 points from their first seven matches, but they do need to quickly end their current losing run to avoid a serious knock in confidence.
William Pottker converted from the penalty spot at the second time of asking last time out, but that was not enough to spark any comeback from Avai, who eventually lost 2-1 against Athletico Paranaense.
This weekend's visitors have not managed to win away from home yet this year, only netting once in their three games on the road also, suggesting that Sunday's outing may prove to be as difficult as the match looks on paper.
Before their relegation in 2019, Avai did manage to claim a 1-0 win against Mineiro, but a lot has changed since then, including two different managers in the dugout.
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Team News
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Eduardo Vargas and Dodo are expected to miss this weekend's outing due to injury despite nearing their returns, while Mariano has recently recovered from a slight injury to play his part at right-back.
Goalkeeper Rafael has faced a longer period in the physio room and he will continue to be absent from Mineiro's squad due to injury, with Everson expected to start between the posts.
Winger Federico Zaracho is likely to return to the starting 11, in an attacking-midfield three along with Ignacio Fernandez and Rubens, with Hulk the main threat leading the line solely.
Matheus Bressan, Jean Pyerre and Muriqui are all ruled out of this clash due to injury for Avai, who could operate in a 4-3-3 formation, which can be lead by either Pottker or Bissoli.
Bruno Silva, Raniele and Eduardo are likely to make up the midfield three, with Rodrigo slotting into the back four in place of the injured Bressan.
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Arana, Alonso, Nathan, Guga; Allan, Jair; Zaracho, Fernandez, Rubens; Hulk
Avai possible starting lineup:
Friedrich; Cortez, Chaves, Rodrigo, Kevin; Eduardo, Raniele, Silva; Dentinho, Pottker, Morato
We say: Atletico Mineiro 2-0 Avai
Mineiro have been in strong form in the league so far, and Avai have not been so effective away from home, making Sunday's hosts strong favourites for this one.
Having lost their last two matches, Avai may be starting a poor run of form in the top flight after just achieving promotion, and coming up against the reigning champions seems like an unwinnable task.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Sammy Wynne
