Prediction: Juventude vs Atletico-MG

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to make up some ground in the top-six chase late on Tuesday night, Atletico-MG will travel to Juventude in midweek.

Juventude

Starting with the hosts, while Juventude might have only made their Serie A return this season, the Verdao have continued to receive a string of plaudits. Last seen putting in a stellar performance as they extended on their Copa do Brasil adventure as they clinched a 2-1 victory away at Internacional, Roger Machado’s men will be looking to claim another heavyweight scalp here. Likewise, storming their way to a 3-0 romp against Gremio earlier in the month, the former Fluminense boss has seen his squad clinch consecutive domestic victories for the first time since opening up the 2024 campaign. With their sights firmly set on securing a Copa Sudamericana ticket this season, Juventude will also be excited by their extended success on home soil. In fact, along with winning all of their previous three Serie A showdowns at the Alfredo Jaconi by an aggregate score of 7-1, Machado’s side have also collected 13 points from their last five matchups in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term muscle injury and not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of April, former Tombense striker Kleiton will miss out through suspension here. However, returning from a recent knock, one-time Bragantino youngster Rodrigo Sam could make a first Serie A start since June 16th.

Now finding the net in back-to-back appearances, veteran marksmen Gilberto will spearhead Juventude’s charge late on Tuesday night. Former Udinese misfit Jadson will once again partner Caique Goncalves in the middle of the park.

Atletico-MG

As for the visitors, while Atletico-MG might have sprung a real Serie A upset last season as they secured a bronze medal finish among Brazil’s elite, the Galo have largely struggled to find a similar level this time around. Although Gabriel Milito’s side might have been last seen over the weekend snatching a crucial 2-1 victory against Sao Paulo on home soil, that is just the second win that they have recorded from any of their previous eight top-flight appearances. Almost sat in top-flight limbo, Tuesday’s guests have distally struggled to find any kind of defensive resolve since opening up the 2024 campaign. Getting July underway with an action-packed 4-2 loss at home against Flamengo, the former Estudiantes boss has now seen his squad mister a single clean sheet from any of their previous 11 consecutive Serie A matchups. Likewise, Milito’s men have conceded eight goals in their three appearances since opening up July.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Atletico-MG will once again be unable to call upon the duo of academy graduate Rubens and former Newcastle Jets attacker Daniel Penha late on Tuesday night. While former Brazil international Hulk might now be 37 years of age, the ex-Porto ace will spearhead Milito’s charge here.

Making a first appearance since returning from this summer’s Copa America, Chile international Eduardo Vargas will partner Hulk in the final third. Returning from a recent knock against Sao Paulo last weekend, 31-year-old Renzo Saravia should keep his spot at right-back.

Key Factors to Consider

• Juventude have secured back-to-back domestic victories for the first time since opening up the 2024 campaign.
• The Verdao have won all of their previous three showdowns at the Alfredo Jaconi by an aggregate score of 7-1.
• Likewise, Tuesday’s hosts have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A matchups in front of their own supporters.
• Despite securing a 2-1 victory against Sao Paulo over the weekend, that is just the second win that Atletico-MG have recorded from any of their previous eight Serie A appearances.
• The Galo have seen six of their last seven appearances finish with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Atletico-MG might have claimed a an essential 2-1 victory against Sao Paulo last weekend, the Galo should be bracing themselves for a stern challenge late on Tuesday night. Although Juventude might have only made their Serie A return this season, the midweek hosts have their sights set on punch a Copa Sudamericana ticket in 2024. Likewise, winning all of their previous three top-flight battles at the Alfredo Jaconi by an aggregate score of 7-1, Machado’s men will be hoping to make a statement here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster