Bragantino and Internacional are separated by just two points in the Brasileiro table ahead of Sunday's showdown at Estadio Nabi Abi Chedid.
The hosts became the latest team to suffer defeat against runaway leaders Botafogo last weekend, while the visitors played out a goalless draw with Palmeiras.
Match preview
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Despite racking up 17 shots while enjoying 63% possession at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos last weekend, Bragantino were unable to prevent a 2-0 loss against Botafogo, who now find themselves 12 points clear of second-placed Flamengo after 15 matches.
That defeat ended a seven-game unbeaten run for Bragantino, who picked up four wins and three draws across all competitions before falling to the league leaders, with four clean sheets coming during their recent hot streak.
When you look at the bigger picture, Pedro Caixinha's men have lost only two of their previous six matches in all competitions, enjoying success in the Brasileiro, the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Sudamericana.
Having lost just three of their 15 league outings this term – securing six wins and six draws – Bragantino find themselves seventh in the Serie A standings, while only two sides have suffered fewer defeats in 2023.
Better still, Massa Bruta have avoided defeat in each of their last six home league games thanks to a run of four wins and two draws, scoring at least two goals on five occasions while also keeping five successive clean sheets.
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Internacional, meanwhile, held Palmeiras to a goalless draw last weekend, although Eduardo Coudet's side can count themselves fortunate to have come away with a point after spending much of the contest on the back foot.
Last year's runners-up have now failed to win any of their previous three Brasileiro encounters, with a goalless draw against Cruzeiro and a 2-0 defeat against Fluminense preceding last weekend's stalemate with Palmeiras.
It is worth noting, however, that Inter have suffered a solitary defeat in their last nine outings across all competitions, picking up four wins and four draws while setting up a last-16 clash with Argentine giants River Plate in the Copa Libertadores.
The Porto Alegre outfit endured a four-game losing run in the league back in May, conceding nine goals while scoring just once in reply, but they have since recorded four wins, three draws and one defeat in Serie A, highlighting their upturn in form.
Having won two of their previous three away league games – claiming victories at Coritiba and America Mineiro before suffering a 2-0 defeat against Fluminense at the Maracana – Inter will back themselves to notch a positive result this weekend.
Team News
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Eduardo Santos is the latest player to join Bragantino's injury list, as the centre-back sustained a ruptured knee ligament earlier this month, setting up a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Santos has joined Raul, Ignacio Laquintana, Lucas Cunha and Helinho in the treatment room, meaning that Pedro Caixinha has plenty of selection dilemmas to address.
Having bagged six goals and two assists in 15 league outings this term, Eduardo Sasha will continue to partner fellow forward Bruno Goncalves in what will likely be a 4-2-2-2 formation for the hosts.
On the flip side, Internacional look set to be without the injured duo of Mauricio and Pedro Henrique this weekend, while Romulo is a doubt for Sunday's clash.
Eduardo Coudet is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Enner Valencia leading the line, while Charles Aranguiz and Campanharo will anchor the midfield.
Bragantino possible starting lineup:
Schwengber; Hurtado, Patrick, Natan, Capixaba; Fernandes, Ramires; Evangelista, Vitinho; Goncalves, Sasha
Internacional possible starting lineup:
John; Bustos, Vitao, Mercado, Rene; Aranguiz, Campanharo; De Pena, Patrick, Wanderson; Valencia
We say: Bragantino 2-0 Internacional
Given that Bragantino have won four of their last five home league games – scoring 10 goals while keeping five clean sheets – we expect Massa Bruta to extend their hot streak on home soil at the expense of Internacional.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Ben Morris
