Prediction: Atletico Mineiro vs Gremio

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who are looking to make up some ground in the top-six chase, Atletico Mineiro will welcome Gremio to the Arena MRV late on Wednesday night.

Atletico Mineiro

Starting with the hosts, springing what was a real upset last season as they secured a bronze medal finish among Brazil’s elite, Atletico Mineiro have their sights set on mounting a dramatic late top-six charge. Although the Galo might have suffered a second-half collapse at home against Vitoria over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for an action-packed 2-2 stalemate at the Arena MRV, Gabriel Milito’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous five domestic appearances across all competitions. Punching their spot in the final of this year’s Copa do Brasil earlier in the month as they landed a 2-1 win against Vasco, Wednesday’s hosts will be excited by their continued success on home soil. In fact, Atletico Mineiro have lost just one of their last 12 showdowns at the Arena MRV – a run that stems all the way back to July 4th.

Team News

Shown a late red card against Vitoria over the weekend, veteran goalkeeper Everson will miss out on Wednesday night through suspension. Likewise, dealing with a recent knock and not featuring across any competition over the past fortnight, one-time Everton star Bernard is not expected to play any part at the Arena MRV here.

Finding the net on his first start since the end of August, Chile international Eduardo Vargas will be hoping to keep his spot in the final third. Returning from Krasnodar over the summer, Junior Alonso will once again pattern Bruno Fuchs at the back.

Gremio

As for the visitors, managing to make what was a much-welcomed return to winning ways over the weekend as they secured a thumping 3-1 victory against Fortaleza, Gremio will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, although Renato Portaluppi’s men might have clinched an iconic silver medal finish last season, Wednesday’s guests have struggled to find any real stability this time around. Signing off September with a shock 2-1 defeat at home against Criciuma, the former Fluminense boss has seen his side register just three wins from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Likewise, along with mustering just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six Serie A showdowns, Gremio have failed to collect consecutive top-flight victories since the start of August.

Team News

Limping off against Fortaleza over the weekend after picking up a first-half knock, Brazilian youngster Gustavo Martins is not expected to feature on Wednesday night. Shown a straight red card away at Botafogo last month, Miguel Monsalve remains on the sidelines through suspension.

Still dealing with a long-term injury issue, Andre Henrique will not be part of Portaluppi’s travelling squad here. Already notching five Serie A strikes since arriving from Espanyol over the summer, former Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite will play a leading role in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Atletico Mineiro and Gremio last met back on September 1st, Wednesday’s hosts collected a 3-2 victory at the Arena do Gremio.
• The Galo have lost just one of their last 12 showdowns at the Arena MRV – a run that stems all the way back to July 4th.
• Gremio have registered just a trio of victories from any of their previous nine domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Wednesday’s guests have failed to muster consecutive Serie A victories since the start of August.
• Six of the last eight meetings between Atletico Mineiro and Gremio have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

In a showdown that tends to produce plenty of action, neutrals will be hoping for another Serie A thriller late on Wednesday night. Watching Atletico Mineiro claim an action-packed 3-2 victory when they travelled to Gremio on September 1st, chances could fall at both ends of the pitch here. Two camps who are seeking their own defensive stability, we are backing what could be an enjoyable showdown from the Arena MRV.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Luckster